2007-2008: Holly Black

The end is just the beginning

Hi everyone,

As promised, this is my last post of the year.  I'm sitting in my room amidst boxes of uniforms, desk supplies, and other items that await to go home.  Home is a funny word these days.  All year long, I have posted how many days there were until the next school break and how I miss everything at "home."  To tell you the truth, Norwich is my home.  I've made it my home.  When I walk outside and look around, I can't help but think "This school has a beautiful campus."  When I talk to the people here I think "These people are just like me.  They have the same goals as I do."

Don't get me wrong:  The house and neighborhood that I grew up in will always be my home, but Norwich is the place I have chosen to spread my wings.  The more time I spend here, the more time I realize that coming here was the best decision I ever made.  For that, I want to thank my mom and dad because they allowed me to make my own decisions.  Although they thought I was crazy for coming here, I hope they see that it was the best option for me.  I don't think I'd be happy at a civilian college.  There is something about this place, its traditions, that make it special.

This past week has been spent packing, saying goodbye to rook buddies & others, studying, and looking back on everything that has happened--everything that I have experienced.  I can't wait to go home and tell everyone about it.  I can't wait to tell everyone that Norwich was the right decision--because everyone I went to high school with told me that it was a mistake.  Some people even laughed at me.

Who cares if I was laughed at back home?  Not only am I getting an education, but I learned honor, discipline, and integrity.  How many of the kids back home can say that?

Just when I think I can get a break, however, I'm not.  I will be home for a while, but then it'll be time for summer training with the Navy.  As a nursing major, I'm supposed to be going on a nurse cruise.  I have all my gear, but I haven't found out when or where I'm going yet.  Either way, I'm pumped.  Vermont doesn't offer any large bodies of water, so getting aboard a ship will be awesome.

Also, I will be a Counselor Instructor for the Future Leader Camp here at Norwich this summer.  For those of you who have looked into FLC on the Norwich website, I highly recommend it.  FLC introduced me to a lot of good people and I got familiar with the campus before rookdom.  Also, it gives you the opportunity to participate in many of the activities included in rook training.

Did I just say rook?  I did say I'd draft a list of "tips" for incoming rooks:
1.  When an upperclassman yells at you, especially your cadre, don't take it to heart:  Getting yelled at is part of your training.
2.  Always assume that upperclassmen know what they're talking about:  They have been through rookdom and you're still a recruit.
3.  Don't slack off and don't look for the easy solution:  You came to Norwich to be better, so do it the right way.
4.  Always give 110%, even when you're tired.
5.  Don't be the kid on pink slip:  Unless you have a serious injury, don't find ways out of training.  That's what you're here for.
6.  Respect the uniform:  Iron, shine, lint-roll, and wear with pride.
7.  Go to bed when they tell you to go to bed:  You won't be that tired during the day if you actually get in bed at 2200 (lights out).
8.  Bring extra undergarments.
9.  Always have duct tape and electrical tape on hand:  You'd be amazed at the uses for these items.
10.  Bring newspaper:  You'll need it to dry out your boots when they get wet.
11.  Sign-up for the linen service and dry-cleaning service, if possible:  It is a huge convenience.
12.  Never talk back to an upperclassmen:  They have rank and you don't.
13.  (Females)  Always make sure your hair looks good:  We don't need more reasons for males to think we're incapable.  Take pride in your appearance.
14.  (Males)  Shave when they tell you to shave:  You also need to take pride in your appearance.
15.  Keep your parents posted on your progress.
16.  If you haven't booked a place to stay during Parents Weekend, DO IT RIGHT NOW!  Local hotels, motels, etc. fill up so fast!
17.  Bring 2 pairs of go-fasters (sneakers or tennis shoes):  One pair will surely get muddy/dirty/wet.
18.  Let your feet air-out as much as possible.  Use lotion/foot powder often (yes, males too!)
19.  Get all of your homework done during the day when you have time.
20.  Always offer to help your rook buddies study, especially if you have the same classes.
21.  Take advantage of the many clubs, activities, and sports available!
22.  If none of your rook buddies have accomplished something that you have, don't brag about it.
23.  Recruit for Norwich during school breaks.
24.  Don't wish the year away:  Rookdom is awesome when you look back on it.  You learn to appreciate things other than your cell phone and XBox.  For months you'll wish that you were an upperclassman, but then you'll realize it wasn't so bad.
25.  Always remember that you have almost 200 years of a legacy on your back, watching your every move.  Live up to that legacy.

This is merely a short list of things I have realized/experienced during this past year that I think might be helpful for incoming rooks.  For those of you willing to take the challenge, I commend you.

These quotes got me through the year:
"Give it hell."  -My dad
"The only easy way is the hard way."  -Foxtrot Company Commander, 2007-2008
"If you always do what you always did, you'll always be who you always were."  -NUCC

It has been a great year writing for you all.  I hope you learned what it's like to be a rook at Norwich.

Respectfully,
Holly

Last week of classes

Hi everyone,

It is indeed the last week of classes.  I've been writing papers like it's my job for the past week.  I hope to be done soon!  My last 2 papers are due on Thursday, so my pile of homework to do is coming to and end.  I also have 3 tests this week.

I will be spending most of the weekend studying for my chemistry final.  I'm not too worried about it because I've gotten A's on all the tests except for a B on the first one.  I find chemistry a lot easier than last semester's biology class.  I also think it's a lot more interesting because it is living chemistry--poisons, drugs, cleaning products, etc.

Last Friday I took a trip to Newport, RI to play with the shiphandling simulators with the Navy Department.  It was a lot of fun, but it was a long bus ride to and from RI for such a short trip.  I wish we could've stayed the night there and actually toured Newport because it is a such a pretty place.  Maybe I will get the chance one of these days to go back there and visit at my leisure.

I will be attending a couple of parties for the clubs I am in at school this week as well.  I'm excited for the NUEMS party on Friday.  I have met a lot of good people through NUEMS and I've had a lot of fun training.  I recommend joining NUEMS for any nursing majors, as well as those interested in emergency medicine.

I had applied for a job in Headquarters next year, but I didn't get it.  I was pretty bummed because that's the first time I've applied for something or tried out for something and didn't make the cut.  My dad tells me all the time that life is full of up's and down's.  Maybe it'll work out for the better.  If anything, I'll have a really hefty courseload next semester.  Clinicals will also make my academic experience here at Norwich change dramatically.  The more that I think of it too, I want a cadre slot junior year.  Although it seems like a pain in the butt to be a cadre member, I think it would be worth it to see how the freshmen who you are in charage of progress throughout the year.  We'll see what happens.

That's about it for now.  It is a cold and rainy day here in Northfield.  That means it is good weather to stay inside and study for exams and finish papers.

My final post of the year will be next week.  Didn't I just start writing on this thing?

Until next time,
Holly 

Junior Ring Weekend

Hello everyone,

After a busy week at Norwich, it became a crazy weekend.  It was Junior Ring Weekend where all of the juniors get their class rings and the entire weekend is a huge celebration.  The Norwich class ring is an important tradition here.  Anyway, we had a parade on Friday afternoon that ended with the junior class marching down to Plumley to get their rings.  After that, they came back onto the Upper Parade ground where pretty much the entire school was standing outside.  There was clapping, cheering, yelling, and a whole lot of smiles.

There was a concert on Friday night and Reel Big Fish played in the Fieldhouse.  It was fun, but I was pretty tired from the week--so I ended up leaving the concert early to sleep.  Everyone who stayed until the end said it was a great show.  Freshmen and sophomores had Cinderella leave this weekend, so I had to wake up and go to formations at 0100 and 0900.

Saturday was a relaxing day for the most part.  It was sunny and warm outside.  The school hosted a big cookout outside of the Wise Campus Center with burgers, hot dogs, chicken, and more music.  After that, it was time to get ready for the ball!  I was really excited to dress up & I had a great time dancing and hanging out with everyone.

Following an eventful night, I didn't sleep very much.  In fact, most of my sleeping was done after the 0900 formation yesterday morning.  I ended up waking up at 1300.  After that, a few of my friends and I went and got subs at a place nearby and drove up near the high school and had a picnic.

Well, that was the weekend.  Now, here I am, awaiting the next 2 weeks to fly by so I can get out of here for the summer.  The snow is finally melting and there is only some left in the shady areas.  It's amazing how everything went from cold & snowy to warm & green in just a couple of weeks.

In my last few days here, I plan on compiling a list of to-do's and not-to-do's for the incoming rooks.  I will post it soon.  To those coming here in the fall, be advised:  graduation, graduation parties, and the summer--will absolutely flash before your eyes.  Enjoy what you're used to at home.  However, be ready for change.  Everything changes once you get to college:  friends, routine, and you.  This is especially true in the Corps of Cadets.  It amazes me how much things have changed since I arrived here as a rook without a clue.  Yet, I can proudly say that I wouldn't change a bit of it.  I have loved every minute here, despite my gripes and complaints.

Until next time,
Holly

Foxtrot Dining Out, Navy PRT, NU101, and a whole lot of work

Hi everyone,

Just like the end of last semester, this home stretch until the end of school is truly filled with a lot of work to get done!  I've spent the past week taking tests, writing papers, and organizing things to study for finals.  I'm trying my best to stay on top of things, but the list just keeps piling up!  This will be a challenge, but I'm ready.

Junior Ring is coming up this weekend.  I had morning calls this morning and sounded off with "There are 3 days until Junior Ring."  3 days?  I could've sworn I was just yelling 213 or 150--now the countdown is finally in the single digits!  It should be fun.  I got a really cute dress to wear on Saturday night to the ball.  I'm ready to dance!

Anyway, last Wednesday night was our company dining out.  The food was good and there were a lot of laughs.  I'm happy though that I don't have to worry about planning it any more.  It was a lot of work, so I feel relieved.  I would like to thank my rook buddies who helped with the planning/executing of the night.  Thanks, guys!

The Naval Battalion PT test went well on Saturday.  I improved my push-ups and my run time, so I was pretty motivated after that.  Meanwhile, there were over 100 prospects on campus for NU101, so we had 4 girls staying in our room on Friday night.  It was insane.  That's it for Open Houses for the year though, another sign that the school year is coming to an end.

Until next time,
Holly

Weekend at home, but not to relax!

Hi everyone,

Friday's weather was absolutely miserable, so I was really excited to leave for the weekend.  However, going home wasn't to relax--but instead to finish up our company dining-out plans and to get my dress for Junior Ring.  I didn't sleep much and I'm pretty much convinced that I spent the whole weekend going from store to store.

However, I did get to see my family & eat some good food.  My mom made a baked ham with my super favorite popovers for supper last night.  Also, on Saturday I went to Lawton's HotDog in Lawrence, MA.  It is a little hole-in-the-wall place that has great burgers, hot dogs, and fries.

Anyway, I came back to a warm and sunny Vermont.  It's in the 60s today and it is certainly a nice change!  The weather is supposed to be really great all week.  I can't wait until summer!

Speaking of summer, the school year is really starting to wind down up here at Norwich.  I have final projects being thrown at me, plans for final exams, and class registration for next year.

As a nursing major, freshman year is similar to high school.  There is English, Math, etc.  However, sophomore year is a complete change!  Next year, all of my classes will relate to nursing and I will also begin clinicals!  I'm really excited.  I came here to be nursing major and I can't wait to actually learn some stuff that I'm really interested in!

That's about it for now.  I have a PT test coming up with the Naval Department on Saturday morning.  That conflicts with participating in the NU101 Open House--but we'll see!

Until next time,
Holly

Snow in April? Of course! It's Vermont!

Hi everyone,

I have been really busy, but I'm getting everything done.  Yesterday my roommate and I decided to move around the furniture.  I like it a lot better now.  My desk is still in the same place, but my wall locker is more accessible, so now I have the back of the room all to myself.

This past weekend was the Junior Open House.  It was really windy on Saturday during the tour!  It was pretty warm out, but you'd never guess so with the wind whipping snow in your face.  I'm hoping for spring, but it doesn't look likely.  Up until today, you could see the ground.  Now, it's once again--covered in snow.  I thought April was starting tomorrow?  I guess I was wrong. 

Registration for next semester classes is coming up.  I was looking at class times online and learned that I will have a REALLY weird schedule.  For example, one class is going to meet only once a week--but for 3 hours.  Sophomore year, nursing students' schedules change dramatically because of clinicals.  It should be fun though.

My math professor said that if we have a 93 average in her class or higher, we don't have to take the final.  I'm really excited because if I don't have to take that final--I can go home 3 days earlier!  All I have to do is sustain my grade for the last exam and I'll be able to leave school earlier during finals week.  That would be awesome!

Well, I'm off to the gym.  I like being able to take naps when I'm tired because throughout the day--I feel more energized to get my work done and to go to the gym more often.

Until next time,
Holly

Six weeks & a whole lot of work

Hi everyone,

Last week was busy, but this week has proven to be busier!  In just a little more than 6 weeks, I will be done with my freshman year of college.  That's a crazy thought.  Wasn't I just writing about how terrified I was about the start of rookdom?  It seems like just yesterday.

With 6 weeks and a couple of days remaining, I have numerous projects and tests, as well as many club activities.  I'm trying my best to stay on the ball, but my assignment notebook is filling up fast.  I've also been planning our company dining-out, which has taken up most of my spare time.

The mornings here have been very cold, but the afternoons have been sunny and pretty warm.  Hopefully the snow will start to melt!

I have an overnight prospect tonight.  There will be a lot of prospects this weekend because there is an Open House on Saturday.  Looking at students who plan to come to Norwich next year makes me realize how quickly this year has really gone by.  Just a few months ago, we were squaring in the gutter and writing home through e-mail because we didn't have phone privileges.  After a couple short weeks, it seems like music--common "individual" things, has always been available.

Junior Ring will be coming up soon.  One of these weekends I need to take leave to get my dress and accessories at home in order and bring them back to school.  It should be a blast!

Well, back to work I go!  There aren't enough hours in the day.

Until next time,
Holly

Spring Break

Hi everyone,

I returned to school last night from Spring break.  It was a great week!  I saw a lot of friends and family, which was great after 2 solid months here.  I also got to relax, lay in my bed, and drive my car--unheard of things in my daily schedule.

All of our privileges since recognition are still breaking in.  I'm sitting here listening to music right now, which is one thing I truly missed during rookdom.

With less than half the semester to go, I'm eager to finish off the year.  I still have a lot to do and I've been helping plan our company Dining Out.  It's been hectic, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Until next time,
Holly

Recognition

Hi everyone,

"On this 5th day of March in the year of our Lord 2008 at 2309 hours, I, Cadet Colonel, do hereby recognize the rook class of 2011."

We waited a long time, but it finally came.  Last night was rook recognition.  Our cadre played a bunch of games with us yesterday afternoon and left us standing on the wall last night, but then sent us to bed.  We woke up to loud screaming, platoon sergeant's whistle, and loud music a while later.  We quickly changed into Super B's and marched to the ceremony.

I had heard different things about the actual recognition ceremony from different upperclassmen, but you cannot describe what it is like.  My hands were shaking uncontrollably, but it was so exciting.  The Cadet Colonel said that he was proud of us as a class and that 72 people had dropped out since rook week.

Following recognition, we came back to the barracks and talked to our cadre about what will be different.  Basically, we're on our own now.  It's up to us to get to formation on time, go to mess, get up for classes, go to PT, and keep the Corps standards high.

After 7 months of rookdom, it is a great relief to be called "cadet."  To the rooks of the class of 2012, you're in for some fun & I hope you're ready.

I'm leaving here tomorrow for spring break.  All of my work is pretty much caught up.  I'm a cadet.  This has been a good week.

Until next time,
Holly

NCEMSFC 2008

Hi everyone,

First I wanted to say thank you in deep appreciation to the comment I got from an alumnus on my last blog.  It was really great to hear about days in the old Corps from a fellow Foxtrot member!

This past weekend was the National Collegiate Emergency Medical Services Foundation Conference in Philadelphia.  I went with NUEMS and had a great time!  There were a lot of good classes including how to determine common drug effects when people take them as well as how to treat a patient who has fallen out of a window.  We met a lot of different people from many different schools.  It was really cool to see how other schools run their EMS organizations.

We went to the King of Prussia Mall which is absolutely HUGE.  We went there on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and still didn't get to see all of it!  I was happy because I bought a pair of shoes.  I really haven't bought anything for myself in a long time, mainly because of rookdom and not being able to wear civilian clothes.

Saturday night was a blast.  5 of us decided to go for dinner after shopping and ended up at Morton's Steakhouse.  If any of you have not heard of it, Morton's has been in the top 3 nationally ranked steakhouses in the nation for over 10 years.  Anyhow, 5 of us racked up a $300 bill--but it was the most amazing steak I have ever had.  I didn't even need a knife to cut it.

We had a lot of laughs at the restaurant because they have a visual menu where they bring a cart out with an example of each of the meats.  The waitress also had a lobster named Larry on the cart and one of my buddies asked her to free him because he looked sad sitting on the cart.  She thought we were crazy, but she also said it was nice to find laid back people in Morton's.  We were a bit under dressed--everyone was wearing suits and ties.  We were in jeans and t-shirts.  Oh well!

We're down to 4 days before spring break.  I'm eager to get my work all done and get out of here.  I can't wait to see my family, sleep, eat a home cooked meal, and just relax.  We're that much closer to recognition and that much closer to the end of the year.

Until next time,
Holly