2008-2009: Holly Black

Sophomore year: Mission complete

Hello everyone,

Last Friday was the Promotion Parade in honor of retiring faculty & staff.  With this, the new Corps officers were named for next year.  It was exciting, not just because it was the last parade of the year, but to see the new officers take command in their designated positions. 

Finals went quite well for me.  Although last Saturday was Reading Day, a day set aside in the academic calendar for pre-finals studying, I was very unproductive.  However, I did not have any finals until Monday--so Sunday's studying made up for it.  I woke up early on Sunday & went pretty much break-free except for meals until 2300.  At that point, I decided it was time for bed & crashed.  I woke up on Monday morning at 0800, showered, went to the mess hall for breakfast, and then sat there & studied some more with a group of nursing majors until our first final at 1130.

On Monday, we had both the Med/Surg & Health Assessment finals.  Quite frankly, I wanted to rip my hair out at 1700 when I was done with the second exam.  I don't know why they scheduled 2 finals back to back, but I guess it happens like that every year.  Oh well--at least on Monday night I was able to go to bed thinking "2 down, 2 to go."

Tuesday was spent studying for my A&P final that was on Wednesday.  When I started at page 1 of my notes for the semester, it really hit me how much we covered this semester.  My professor's idea of that class (which is spread over 2 semesters if you take both A&P I and A&P II) is to build a functional human being from scratch, starting with the underlying chemistry.  Last semester we got as far as a body with bones, muscles, and limited nerve function.  This semester encompassed everything else:  blood, immune system, intake/elimination, reproduction, etc.  Long story short, it was A LOT to study & I went into the final not sure how I'd do.  Nevertheless, I did pretty well, despite the huge headache I gave myself while studying.  In the words of President Schneider at the Promotion Parade, A&P is "the course that separates the girls from the women and the boys from the men!"

After A&P, I decided I needed a break from studying, so I packed up my room.  I didn't realize how much more stuff I had at school this year than last year.  Then again, as a nursing major, I had 2 tubs full of books & binders--that made up a lot of my belongings, a lot more than last year.  Once I packed up everything in my SUV, the rear end was really weighed down.  My dad joked by saying "Gee, Holly, you really wanted to test out the back springs on this [car] didn't you?"

Finally, Thursday came...last final, moving out, and going home.  While I was taking my Nursing Research final, I kept looking at my watch thinking "I have [x] hours until I'm home...wahoo!"  Immediately after I was done, I was out the door.  It was a long, tiresome semester & I was VERY eager to get home.

So, here I am.  I'm sitting at home with the whole summer ahead of me.  What's in store for my summer?  Well, seeing as how I was only home for 3 weeks total last summer, I plan on enjoying as much as I can of it.  BUT, I have a lot of work to do...

On Monday, I will be heading to the nearby community college to sign up for summer session Microbiology. Hopefully, I will land a part-time job.  I have an interview tomorrow for a personal care job (I wanted to find something healthcare-related), so hopefully I'll get the position.  I'll also be working out a lot this summer.  I'm slotted for a staff sergeant cadre position for next year in the Corps.

I've got 2 years down, 2 to go.  That's a scary thought.  Next year, my class will be the NCO's of the Corps.  It'll be my class's junior ring countdown.  Wow.

This may very well be my last post ever.  I have really enjoyed writing this blog for the past 2 years.  I hope it was informative & helpful.

Respectfully,
Holly

One week until finals...

Hello everyone,

One word sums up the last week of my life:  sick.  I am very fortunate to not get sick very often.  However, when I do...it's awful.  I started feeling ill on Wednesday morning when I woke up.  My throat was sore, my head felt heavy, and my body ached all over.  Despite sleeping probably 5x more than I usually do & taking whatever cold medicine I could get my hands on, nothing helped.  On top of this, we had Battalion PT with the Naval Department on Friday.  Because I was feeling crappy, what should have been a motivational PT session turned into the worst PT experience of my life.  At that point, I realized it was time to go to the Infirmary.

The Infirmary stocked me up on a bunch of meds and said it's a virus that's been going around school.  The meds are going to help some of the symptoms...but my body needs to fight off the virus, so I still don't feel that great.

Last Monday-Thursday after supper we had the Future NCO Course.  We learned about the laws/rules about hazing, what to expect as responsibilities for different job billets, relationships among NCOs & officers in Corps, etc.  It was very informative and weird to think that junior year is right around the corner.

Friday afternoon was the Board of Trustees parade.  It was in the 70s, making dress blues quite uncomfortable.  There's nothing like wearing wool in the sun, but you deal with it.  The parade was very short anyway.  After that, Friday night wasn't anything special...I watched a movie and tried to sleep as much as possible again.

Yesterday I woke up and decided to have a mental health day.  I took a shower, hopped in the car, and headed south on I-89.  I did some shopping in West Lebanon, NH & then stopped by Mascoma Lake.  By 1400, it was 93 degrees outside.  It was slightly breezy.  It wasn't humid at all.  It was very nice.  I put my feet in the water at the lake--despite how cold it was from the winter, it was refreshing.

After my return to campus, I noticed that my eyes seemed a little bit more teary than usual.  I figured it was from coughing/sneezing.  I was wrong.  This morning, I couldn't open up my eyes when I woke up.  They were "glued" shut.  Turns out, I have pink eye...in both eyes.  Great--just my luck.  So I headed back to the Infirmary around noon and now I'm on an antibiotic ointment.  Sometimes I feel like I just can't win.  I should be all right in a couple of days.

This is it.  This is the last week of classes before finals.  That's a scary thought.  I have quite a bit to do this week, including my Final Practicum for Health Assessment on Thursday.  20% of my grade in that class is based on a demonstration I will give to my lab instructor.

Until next time,
Holly

Junior Ring Weekend

Hi everyone,

After a long week, Friday finally came.  My Med-Surg professor held class earlier in the day so we would have some free time in the afternoon before Junior Ring Weekend kicked off--which was great because having class until 1600 on Friday afternoons is such a drag.

At 1650, the Corps (minus the juniors) formed up behind Goodyear Hall for a retreat parade in honor of the juniors.  Meanwhile, the juniors were in gray-on-white uniform (white trousers & tunic) on the UP.  At the conclusion of the parade, the juniors marched down to Plumley Armory for their ceremony.  Traditionally, the other classes (freshmen, sophomores, & seniors) wait for the juniors to return on the UP.

Friday evening there was live entertainment on campus in Plumley beginning at 2100.  There was Mad Chad Taylor, a comedian/juggler of running chainsaws and Bo Burnham, a comedian/singer-songwriter from the Boston area.  Despite being really tired, it was a great time!

After that, I eagerly awaited 0100 for formation.  The Corps installs a class system for ball weekends.  For this weekend, freshmen were not allowed off campus & had formations at 0100 and 0800.  Sophomores were allowed off campus, but had formations at 0100 and 1200.  Juniors & seniors have general leave.  It's annoying, but safety comes first.

I wish the 0100 formation was at midnight, merely because I was tired.  Anyway, after formation I went to bed & woke up around 1030 yesterday morning.  There was a “cookout” at the Wise Campus Center (it was held inside due to the weather forecast), so I went down for that.  They had a couple of bands playing there too.  To be honest, they were awful...at least the first band was.  I had a headache while eating due to the horrible vocals.  Oh well.  Friday night makes up for it though, I guess.

After lunch, it was time to prepare for the ball!  I had a hair party in my room with 3 of my rook sisters.  I like doing hair—it can be fun!  Time flew by though & I had to hurry up to get myself ready.

The juniors & their dates had to be at the Wise Campus Center at 1800 for the receiving line and pre-ball social.  My boyfriend is a junior, so I got to go down for that.  At 1915 we all marched down to Plumley for the arc of swords.  The weather was pretty crappy, but luckily the rain held up.

After that, it was a night of dancing, pictures, & conversation.  Several people commented that I looked like June Cleaver—I can accept that.  My parents always joke that I was born in the wrong era—1950s dress fashion & pearls is my style all the way!

At 2300, “Goodnight Saigon” was played, which is always the best part of every ball.  I gave a description about what that song means to all of us in the Corps in previous ball entries.  It was the last time to experience it with this year’s seniors.  In just a few weeks, they’ll be graduating!

After formation, a couple of us ran out to grab a bite to eat.  We were really hungry because we didn’t have dinner beforehand.  I passed out after that—I was so tired.  I didn’t wake up until the 2^nd time my parents tried calling me this morning.  Good thing they did though—I probably would’ve slept through the last 1200 formation.

So, here I am…another week closer to summer.  I have another 2 exams & a paper/project due this week.  I am also supposed to take a make-up PT test tomorrow for the Naval Dept.  Back to work I go!

Until next time,
Holly

P.S.  I received a comment on a previous blog about attending Norwich non-Corps.  If you feel as though Norwich is the place for you academically, go for it.  However, understand that the civilian/traditional students are expected to respect everything that the Corps does & its traditions.

Here’s a picture from the pre-ball social.  You can see how big the ring is on Frank’s finger!
 

Easter Weekend...Less than a month to go

Hi everyone,

I was really unmotivated last week.  I'm not sure why--perhaps I was just tired?  I really need to get in gear this week.  Reality hit me this morning:  I have 2 huge exams & a research paper due.

I went home this weekend for Easter.  I spent time with my family & met my new puppy!  Aside from having a huge German Shepherd, we now have a little Chihuahua named Roxy.  She's really cute & it's funny to see her & Buddy interact with each other.

After dinner I headed back to school.  It was really windy on the way back, which made driving very interesting.  I'm happy it wasn't snowing or raining though--the bad weather tends to follow me wherever I go.  I think this was the first time since October that there wasn't some sort of precipitation during my travels.

This weekend is Junior Ring, so it'll be a huge ongoing celebration here come Friday afternoon.  The ceremony is on Friday evening.  Saturday this is a cookout with a couple of bands playing outside the Wise Campus Center.  There will also be movies playing, karaoke, etc etc.  The ball is on Saturday night & I'm excited because I really really love my dress!

Until next time,
Holly

Quick update

Hi everyone,

Alpha Company (Navy side of the Navy/Marine Corps Department) left for Mass. Maritime Academy at 1400 on Friday.  However, due to Med-Surg class, I got permission to drive down on my own later on.  Friday evening we slept on MMA's training ship.  That brought back a lot of memories from summer cruise, that's for sure!

Yesterday morning we woke up at 0545 to start our day.  We packed up our belongs, showered & changed, and then had multiple stations of training.  My group first had a radar class, then a tour of the entire training ship, lunch, a short campus tour, bridge simulator, and then water survival with rafts & special suits to hold in body heat.  It was pretty cool.  We talked a lot with the MMA students to find out about what their life is like there.  No offense to them, but I think we have it better and more disciplined at Norwich.

I lucked out:  After our day was over, I requested to stay at my house overnight because I'd be passing through my town on the way back anyway.  So, here I am...sitting at home.  I need to leave in a couple of minutes though.  It was nice to sleep in my own bed, even if it was for 1 night.  It's raining, so my ride back to Vermont should be interesting!

Until next time,
Holly

New professor & upcoming Navy FEX

Hi everyone,

I've been living in the library, essentially.  I always have something to do.  Unfortunately, my Med-Surg professor was forced to leave for the rest of the semester due to illness.  This has been stressful because we have only 5 weeks of classes left and we are getting used to a new professor.  We had a test today & I'm not sure how I did.  Well, we'll see.

My other classes are going well though.  I was really excited that I got an 'A' on my Nursing Research mid-term.  I was worried about that because we don't have many exams in that class.  That's a big difference between high school and college:  exams in college typically occur less frequently, cover way more material, and count towards your grade that much more.  Ahhhh!!!

On top of my workload, this weekend is the Navy FEX (field exercise--training conducted 2x per school year over a weekend).  We will be traveling to Mass Maritime Friday evening until Saturday late afternoon.  I'm not sure about what we're doing yet, so I'll let you know!  It will be a tease to drive by my home's exit off the highway as we head down to the Cape.

I received a comment on my last post asking what the 'freshman 15' is.  The 'freshman 15' refers to a 15 pound weight gain (give or take) of college students during their freshman year.  It's not uncommon at most schools due to change of sleeping habits, diet, exercise, stress level, etc.  However, in the Corps of Cadets, we conversely refer to our lifestyle during freshman year as 'the Norwich Weight Loss Plan.'

Until next time,
Holly

Spring Break

Hi everyone,

I feel like I was just driving home, all excited for Spring Break to begin...yet, now I'm just a few hours away from heading back to school.  What I typically refer to as "crunch time" in the semester is quickly becoming a reality.  As soon as I get back, research papers, exams, and projects will have to get done.  I'm just eager to get this school year over with!

Going back a little bit, the Rook Class of 2012 was officially recognized on Sunday, 1 March 2009.  Congratulations, Cadets!

This week was great.  I did a lot of relaxing (and a lot of schoolwork), as well as shopping, spending time with friends & family, and the concert I attended with my aunt!  The concert was great.  I really love Celtic Woman--they all have such beautiful voices!  I had a few doctor's appointments to catch up on as well.  It's difficult trying to pack everything that needs to get done in a week.

I got my dress for Junior Ring Ball!  I'm excited...it's really cute & "springy," which is what I was going for.  Wow, wasn't I just getting ready for Regi Ball?  I'll post pictures after the ball.  It's not for another month though.

There's another Open House coming up next weekend for juniors  Thus, my Saturday will be spent helping out with that--which I always enjoy.

I got a great question commented on my last post:  What keeps me motivated?  What kept me motivated during Rookdom?  What advice do I have for those considering Norwich/the Corps of Cadets?  That's a really great question with a complicated answer, so I'll take a shot at trying to explain...

When I looked at colleges, I wanted a structured environment.  I wanted an institution that would push me in ways that I had never been pushed before.  When I visited Norwich, it felt like "the right fit" for me, which is what the admissions counselors are always talking about.  As far as motivation goes, I used my peers' perceptions to get me in the door at Norwich.  My peers in high school told me I was nuts and that attending a military school was "a waste of the college experience."  They are referring to the stay-out-late-sleep-all-day-skip-class-party-party-party college life.  I didn't want this.  I knew I truly wanted to make something of myself, not waste time & money.

Sure, during Rookdom...I had my up's and down's.  I'll be the first to admit that I called my parents often and talked about why I decided the path I did.  I questioned if it was what I really wanted all the time.  I doubted myself.  Nevertheless, every time I talk to, see, or hang out with the people that I was close with just a few years ago:  it reinforces why I came to Norwich.  I stand a little taller, I'm more tolerant of others, I didn't gain the "freshman 15," and I've accomplished/experienced a lot of cool things that you don't get at a civilian college.  I've pushed myself physically & mentally while meeting a lot of great people that think & act the way that I do.

As mentioned this past fall, I also saw the influence Norwich has had on me while on Summer Cruise in comparison to those midshipmen who attend civilian ROTC colleges.  Norwich cadets have more discipline.  We live the military lifestyle 24/7 in one way or another.  It becomes part of who you are.

That sums up Rookdom, I think.  As an upperclassman, my main motivation is the fact that I want a college degree so that I can commission.  In the end, the only thing I want to do is serve in the military.  Each day, I keep my eye on that prize.

Even if you don’t plan on commissioning, Norwich is still a great place to attend college.  Speaking on the military lifestyle, the Corps of Cadets will teach you to work with people, get tasks done, iron your clothes for a job interview, and most importantly—challenge yourself.  It’ll also give you memories that will last a lifetime.

Until next time,

Holly

Saturday in the library

Hi everyone,

It is a sunny, Saturday afternoon and I'm sitting in the library.  I'm trying to get as much work done as I can this weekend so that I can focus on the 3 exams I have this week, one of which is a mid-term.  Also, like any other college kid, I am very anxious to get this week done and over with so I can get out of here for spring break.  While I don't have any crazy spring break plans like some of my peers, I am excited to get out of here and relax for a week (actually, I'm fibbing to you right now...I will still be doing schoolwork in order to keep up).  However, it will be nice to sleep in a bit, not have to iron my uniforms, spend time with family & friends, and eat something other than Sodexho.

I'm excited to attend a concert next Sunday that I got tickets for a few months back.  I'm going to see "Celtic Woman," a women's group from Ireland.  I like to listen to them when I study.  It's relaxing, especially after a long day of classes.

As I mentioned in my last post, I had my NCO Board on Thursday.  I think it went really well.  I spent much of Wednesday night preparing my Super B uniform (ironing, making sure I had no IP's, lining up my ribbons correctly, etc).  When I arrived to Jackman Hall, I checked myself in the mirror for the 100th time to make sure I was all set.  Then, I went to the door of the conference room where I heard "REPORT!"  From here, you are supposed open the door, stand in front of a chair centered on the President of the Board, salute, and say "Sir, Cadet (Rank/Last name) _______ reporting to the President of the Board, Sir!"  Luckily, I did this without studdering.  I was nervous and thought for sure I'd mess that part up, but I didn't.

After I dropped my salute, I had a quick uniform inspection and then was instructed to sit down.  There are 5 people on the board, including the President of the Board.  Usually it consists of an ROTC staff member, a professor/coach, Asst. Commandant(s), and a cadet who has served in such a position before (i.e. a current junior for the sophomore boards, a current senior for the junior boards).

From here, I was asked about my desired position in the Corps of Cadets next year, my knowledge about the Student Rules & Regulations, some ethical questions, and a few other various things.  Like I said, I think it went well.  However, only time will tell--it'll be awhile before the promotion list comes out for next year!  I can't wait.

I think it's time to get back to work.  I have a ton of stuff to print out before the library closes at 1700.

Until next time,
Holly

Weekend at home

Hi everyone,

I got back to Norwich about 2 hours ago from home.  We had a birthday in the family, so I got to see everyone at home.  I was sad to leave though, seeing as how I was home for less than 48 hours.  All is good though, as spring break is in 2 weeks!!!  I had a difficult time getting back because it is snowing like crazy right now.  It was raining at home when I left, but as soon as I hit Vermont it was white-out conditions.  Unfortunately, there were many accidents on the road.  Is winter over yet?

Following my last post, the NCO Board Selection list was put out.  I was on the list!  I was very excited.  My board is scheduled for this Thursday.  I will post all the details after it happens.  Until then, I'm really nervous.

Mid-term exams will be coming up soon.  We're almost half way through the semester.  That's a scary thought.  Everyone is talking about summer plans...classes, work, training, etc.

Until next time,
Holly

Exam grades & Valentine's

Hi folks,

After all those exams, I can safely say I started off the semester with some pretty decent grades.  I'm glad about that.  However, this workload has made me put a lot of thinking into my summer plans.  I want to take a few classes and get them out of the way.  This should lighten my courseload next year.  Having summer school won't bother me--at least I'll have some free time.  I was on the go all of last summer.

Monday nights I've been staying in White River with one of the girls in my clinical group.  It makes it a lot easier than having to make 2 trips down there (1 trip for paperwork, 1 trip for clinical day).  Clinical seems to be going great.  I'm seeing a lot of different things, experiencing different types of people, and getting more and more eager to finish school and be a full-time nurse.

I got a care package in the mail this week from my family.  It was filled with soups, cereal bars, some chocolate, crackers, and a couple of Valentine's goodies.  It's always nice to get stuff from home. =)

My boyfriend and I had dinner at the Cider House in Waterbury on Friday night as an early Valentine's celebration.  A friend of mine recommended it & it was definitely worth the trip.  The sky was really clear with lots of stars that night too.  Despite the cold, we stood outside for a while to look at them.  While the winters are long in Vermont, it has its quirks.

The juniors just finished up their boards for officer selection in the Corps.  I feel like this was just happening???  Last year it was exciting seeing all of the cadre staff and other juniors going for their boards and now they're all just a few months away from graduating!!!

NCO boards for us sophomores will be coming up soon, I believe.  We're still doing corporal training with the freshman.  I was an acting Staff Sergeant last week, First Sergeant the week before, and I think I have a Platoon Sergeant position this coming week.  Well, we'll see what happens.

I'm going home this weekend coming up.  We have a birthday in the family, so it'll be nice to see everyone!!!

Until next time,
Holly