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

Comments

[nufan]

Thank you giving us readers a window. Your insights and wisdom will be treasured by many! May traveling mercies be with you where ever you go. I hope you blog next year.

[freshmanmom]

Holly,
Thank you so much for your blogs! You have helped me "see" what has been going on with my Rook son (who was not nearly as dilligent at keeping in touch as you have been!) I appreciate the extra effort that it took to keep this up all year, when others have let it slide. Good for you!

[Kathryn]

Thank you so much for posting throughout the year Holly! You have really opened my eyes to what Norwich can and will be like. I visited just two weeks ago and I loved every second of it, just seeing the amount of pride every student feels for Norwich and all of its traditions has strengthed my desire to attend Norwich. I am just like you in a way, I visited a couple of civillian colleges the same week I visited Norwich and I realized that I just could not attend a civillian college, it was not structured enough and the atmosphere was different, as though the students were not as close to each other as the students as Norwich were. Thank you once again and good luck throughout the rest of your Norwich career! Hope to see you in 2009!

[justanurse]

way to go finishing round 1!
here are a few hints for you and your fellow nursing students with clinicals, etc...
-invest in a good hand cream/lotion (it really matters)
-balance, balance, balance
-drink lots of water
-and best of all...you get used to the wierd smells
happy summer!!

[Property in Norwich]

Hi, I am moving to Norwich in July to work and was wondering about good places to live in Norfolk. I have a car so anywhere within 30 miles should be fine. I've looked at this site with some potential flats and houses so I was wondering what you might think? Cheers, Dafydd