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

Comments

[cadet mom2]

Congratulations! Having received a call from my very excited, newly recognized cadet son last night at about 12:45 AM, I was aware that the ceremony has taken place. Therefore, I looked forward to reading about the experience in one or more of the blogs. The excitement is evident in yours. Thank you for sharing. Holly, you have worked so hard for this, as have all the new cadets. A goal was set, strove for and achieved. May God bless you all! Great job!

[Clarisa Martinez]

Congrats Cadet!
I'm actually going to start the MSN program at Norwich, but was curious about cadet/BSN life at NU since I was a nursing major/ROTC cadet during my undergrad days (back in WA, finished in '03).
Some things are the same across all schools as a nurse/cadet-lots of work and lots of study hours. We only did PT 3 days a week and the only other students awake was the crew team. Our FTX's always seem to come right around mid-term exams or major paper due dates, and we all had too much fun making the Dining-In skits.
All the best,
Clarisa Martinez

[nufan]

You make everyone connected to the Norwich community proud. Thanks for your timely and informative entries. Congratulations on a well-deserved recognition. Have a wonderful spring break. God bless you, Cadet Holly Black!

[cadet mom]

Congratulations Cadet Black - you have earned it. I also got the call at 12:45a.m. from my very excited daughter. I am so proud of all of you. You have all worked very hard and deserve every recognition. Thanks for the great blog. Enjoy you vacation.