2007-2008: Kara Son

A Good Year

Dear Reader,

I understand that you may be frustrated that I haven't updated in a while.  I remember being in high school and being disappointed when the NU bloggers were not consistent in posting entries.  Now, I can whole-heartedly understand.  Honestly, there is no excuse.  With time management, nearly anything can be done.  I apologize the lateness and lack of entries, but at the same time, I hope you would understand.  Aren't there times when you would rather be out living life rather than than just sitting back and writing about it?  First and foremost, I hope than anyone interested in NU got a new perspective on the school.  Secondly, I hope the parents enjoyed the entries and ease their minds a bit.  Third, to anyone that would have an inkling of interest in the musings of mere freshman in the NU Corps of Cadets was somewhat amused by what I wrote.

Prospective Students, I wish I could give you more advice on how to be a good Rook and a good Cadet.  I am not qualified to give out such advice, and neither is it my place to offer advice on such.  I don't know whether or not I've been clear in articulating my journey, purpose, and experience at this school, but I do know that for as long as I am here, I am going to make the best of things.  It is not up to me tell you what your Norwich experience should be, you should totally make the decision, be in control, and take the initiative to make of it what you will.  Here is my one suggestion: Going to Norwich should be a choice, and your decision alone (with maybe some input from your family along the way).  Do it because you want to be here.  When you came for your overnight visit, you probably encountered something called the "Rook Book."  Honestly, don't worry about it.  You are given enough time to memorize that stuff.  You'll be surprised at how much you'll be motivated by a little pressure.  There's a time and place for everything, and you'll learn that when you get here.  Being a rook and learning to be a leader go hand-in-hand: learn to listen, learn to follow and cooperate with your peers, overcome obstacles-- "because it only gets harder."

Follow-up on my previous entries, I am now officially part of MCW and Spec Ops.  I'm a member of Cavalry Troop too!  It feels pretty awesome-- meeting your upperclassmen is like getting to know those cousins (you know, 2nd cousins, twice removed from your mother's side) you've never met-- you feel a connection with them, yet you don't quite know them. There were great challenges, exciting, nerve-racking, rewarding-- I learned so much from giving it so much, and I definitely got plenty back. I've made acquaintances/friendships/I-don't-really-know-how-to-define-it that are truly unique to this campus alone.  There are many memories that I really ought to jot down in a journal on somewhere to remember forever, but then there's really no need to.  There are some memories made that you'll never forget.  It would be impossible to chronicle every single memory, anecdote, or funny joke-- there are just so many.

As for me, I left Norwich the other day with mixed feelings.  I admit that I was a little sad to say goodbye and let go of freshman year, but it is good to be home.  Next semester I imagine will bring on an entirely new set of challenges, privileges, and opportunities.  I really hope that this year will be better than the last-- sure enough there won't be any squaring the hallway, walking the gutter, or have the Cadre watching your every move, but there's definitely much more that I will miss: ice cream races (totally optional), the unity of candidacy...it could go on.  Well, it's time to push forward, and there's a lot to look forward to.

Thanks for reading my blog.  Have a fabulous summer!

Sincerely,

Kara Son

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter!

      The sun rose this morning, brightly and beautifully. The weather was blustery and frigid, but the air was refreshing and crisp. I am reminded that it’s still winter in Vermont. As for life in Cav, I can’t (or rather, shouldn’t) complain. Sure, it feels a little ridiculous at times squaring the hallway when other freshmen get walk around and converse with each other like normal human beings, but tonight, the Cadre reminded us that being in Cav is living up to different standards. I guess if other freshmen look at me and rook buddies a little funny because we still look and act like recruits, it’s because we’re doing taking the right steps toward being offical Cav Troopers.

     On Friday, the Honor Parade was held where the voting results for the Corps Honor Committee were announced. This involved a march down to Shapiro Field House, where the entire Corps stood in formation. Every class from sophomores to seniors has elected members on the Honor Committee. I am proud to say that there are members of Cav in every class on the Honor Committees from sophomores to seniors.  Actually, I think Cavalry Troop has the most members from any company involved in Honor Committee.

     On Saturday, the Walter N. Levy Recon Challenge took place! This event is hosted by the Marine ROTC Department at Norwich, and although everyone is encouraged to participate, few take up the challenge. To put it simply, it is a race across the hilly terrain of Northfield with a ruck and other obstacle course events. Four-man teams enter the Levy Recon Challenge, and my Spec Ops buddies split into two teams. This event often attracts some civilian students and cadets from other ROTC/colleges. I don’t believe that most people enter challenges expecting to win. Some people do it for the heck of it. Others do it for the challenge. Something I’ve experienced at Norwich is by challenging your own limits and boundaries, you learn more about yourself and become closer with the people in your unit. It’s a rewarding feeling. I know that I’m not articulating myself very well, but an event like Recon Challenge is exciting, vigorous, horrible, strenuous, and stupendous. I’m glad we did it! The winners were the Norwich Navy SEAL Platoon, which was pretty much expected. They are known on campus as the most intense, insane, incredibly tough and fit special units on campus. But one of the most motivating moments of the event wasn't necessarily the fastest team.  There was a team of rook buddies that clearly weren't entering the Levy Challenge expecting win-- they were just motivated enough to take up the challenge together.  They stuck with each other throughout the entire event, and whereas I noticed some groups got easily frustrated with each other whether it was strategy in meeting a time limit or emotionally giving in, this group didn't.  That was motivating.

     Anyway, tomorrow is a new day, a new week. Life has changed and the atmosphere has changed a lot since recognition, but there's still a long way to go.  I ask myself sometimes, "Am a rook or a recognized cadet?"  The answer is a cadet, but still a candidate.  How much will I changed since having been recognized?  A lot, but not too much.  Can I let go yet?  Nope-- not until my rook buddies and I get recognized in Cavalry Company.  Even we want to let go, it's just that we want to be Cav Troopers even more.

Happy Easter!

Kara Son

    

Starting to Let Go...NOT!

"You need to let go, Son."

"You can't be a rook all 4 years you are here, Son."

"You NEED TO REEEELAAAAAAXXXX, Son!"

"Your white name tag looks retarded-- people are going to laugh at you if wear that now!"

"Smile!  You've been recognized!"

"Why do you look so perturbed, Son?  We just got recognized!"

"You know that this isn't real, right?  This is a military school-- NOT the real military."

We got recognized Wednesday on the 5th of March in the year of our Lord 2008 at 2309 hours.

   It is an ambivalent feeling the freshmen in Provo (Cav, Band, Drill) have towards recognition-- we have yet to earn recognition from our companies.

    Regardless of what events may be happening in the Corps, academic assignments keep accumulating and piling up.  I've definitely noticed some ambivalent feelings (probably more negative ones) among the professors towards the Corps.  It's certainly understandable.  A great test of time management skills is: get all your homework done before 2200, while getting your uniform, room, and rookie knowledge all squared away, and still have enough free time to breathe.  I've seen my roommates do it.  I'll be honest, I don't think I've ever gone to bed exactly at 2200.  But I don't regret it.  I would never give up my time with MCW, Spec Ops, at chapel services, etc. for anything.  After all, what's a couple hours of sleep worth in the long run?  Coffee is truly a wonderful thing.

     As for Cavalry Troop and the rest of Provo Battalion (which also consists of Band Company & Drill Team)...it's not over yet!  We still have to earn our right to be here, and work through candidacy.  So, yes, we are cadets, but we are also only at "candidate" status within our companies and will remain to be treated as such until company recognition.  I've noticed that people going through candidacy often get treated with sympathy from cadets from other companies, and I sometimes wonder why.  Is it really going to be that terrible?  I think candidacy is just part of the process of making you stand out because you went the extra mile, opposed to the majority of freshmen.  Isn't this what we signed up for?  Don't get me wrong, I do not believe that candidacy is supposed to be a pleasant experience.  Being a Cav Trooper means something special, though I am still learning exactly what that means.

     I have faith that all my rook brothers and sisters will continue to be there for each other and through the end of candidacy.  So far, Cav Troop 2nd Platoon boasts the best retention rate among all companies this year, and probably the best ever retention rate in Cav Troop history.  For some people, it is a huge mystery.  I honestly don't think that my rook buddies and I are that different from any other freshman platoon on the Hill, but I think we would all certainly agree that we owe our Cadre the success on this one.  We've definitely learned that there's good Cadre, and exceptional Cadre.  How can we learn what effective leadership is unless we have experienced it from our own Cadre?  We respect our Cadre, and admire the fact that they can lead without feeling vengeful of their own freshmen experience.  The Corps, from what I have heard, has made many changes within its structure within the past few years.  I've learned that harder and harsher training does not necessarily make better leaders.  It must have been a crushing feeling when they learned that they would be the first class in a while without corporal (sophomore) cadre positions.  I'm sure that some upperclassmen would be quick to say that we easily have the best retention rate because our Cadre were too easy on us, or because this is the "New Corps" as opposed to the "Old Corps."  What do we have to do to earn our respect and place at this school if other cadets think that we only made it because we had it easy?  Well, I don't have any reasons not to trust the leadership here, and regardless of comparisons between the Old Corps/New Corps, I can say my rook buddies and I are not the same people that walked onto the historic grounds of Norwich on the first day of rookdom.  I know that we've changed, and I believe that we've learned and experienced something that many other college students would fail to accomplish or even comprehend.  I know we are better people today than we were 6 months ago.

     Wow-- it's only a few more weeks to this whole rookdom thing.  I don't know what to feel.  Is this the end?  Is this where my rook buddies all go their separate ways?  Well, I've been reminded that the end of rookdom is just the beginning of the Norwich experience, but I don't want the discipline and the way of life we've learned to go away just yet.  I just hope everyone doesn't go too crazy with this newfound freedom.  My rook buddies and I can't let go of those rookie standards just yet-- best wishes towards my rook buddies and rook cousins in Band and Drill through candidacy!

    Two important events coming up are MCW BlackHat Testing and Spec Ops Indoc.  These two events will determine whether or not I am qualified for membership status within those two organizations.  There's still a lot more work to be done.  It's all so nerve-racking and exciting all at the same time!

     Is it really almost over?

     I can say for sure that it's a whole lot easier shedding those rookie habits than learning them! 

MCW: Catamount Ski Tour

Hello Reader.

    Late last night, a small group from the Mountain Cold Weather Company returned from a cross-country ski trip on the Catamount Ski Tour in the Sugarbush area.  Even though it was only a 24-hour trip, it felt much longer.

    We left Friday evening.  After eating chow, my greenstick (first-year members in MCW) buddies and I headed over the MCW Shack and conducted a PCI check and got issued climbing gear.  One great thing about MCW is that no one is required to purchase their own climbing gear and skis.  MCW provides instruction and issues all members gear that is to be returned at the end of the event.  We boarded a rickety bus that took us to the Catamount Trail.  At some point, we reached the campsite, where we dug snow holes and set up the sleeping bags.  The weather was frigid, the water in my water bottles had ice crystals in it, and it looked like fluffly glitter was falling from the sky.

    The next morning, we woke up, packed up, and took off on the Catamount Ski Trail.  The trail was very interesting-- ups, downs, twists, turns, creeks-- I definitely ended up eating much more snow than I wanted to.  At some point during the trip, I probably resembled a Yeti more than a human being.  Nevertheless, the view was amazing.  There were mountains everywhere, and a beautiful layer of fluffy, soft snow was covering the wilderness.  I wish I had brought my camera, but I really don't think any camera can do nature justice.  (Besides, my camera got water logged during the MCW's Ice Trek @ Smuggler's Notch over Christmas break.  :o)  )  There is something about Vermont-- I can't quite explain it, but if you enjoy snow and cold weather, this is the place for you.

   With a full ruck, and barely any skiing experience, it took me a very long time to complete the trail.  But I still managed to have somewhat of a good time.  By the time I finished skiing the trail, the sky had grown dark again, and the stars shone brilliantly in the sky.  I boarded the bus again, and the ride back was quiet and very restful.  Overall, the entire experience was cold and tiring, but worth it.  The next couple months should be very interesting as it is prime season for MCW.  I wonder what adventures are in store for the future...

Second Semester

Hello Reader.

   Well, it's certainly been quite a while since an update.  I left off with Thanksgiving break.  Following Thanksgiving break was about a 2-3 weeks of school until Christmas break.  As soon as the students returned to campus, it full speed ahead studying and cramming like crazy for semester finals.  The week prior to and of finals was strictly academic-- extracurriculars were either postponed or cancelled until break, and the Cadre were extremely generous in allotting time so we could fully concentrate on academics.  The Corps was quiet and busy.  In the time spaces where I usually had Corps activities or chores suddenly opened up for studying-- which makes me wonder, what would I do if I were at a regular college?  What would I do with my free time?  I'm sure I'd find something to do, but I just can't imagine myself anywhere at the moment.  On Reading Day, I feel that I must mention something quite motivating-- the Air Force Detachment celebrated "Cookie Day" which is a day in which all Air Force ROTC students got to eat free cookies. It was great-- I felt charged and energized to study.

     Winter break was wonderful.  I went back home, and nothing had changed.  I am still the same person, but I think that I have changed a little.  I am so glad high school is over!  Don't get me wrong-- I learned a lot in high school and it was a good experience, but I certainly don't miss it.  Returning back to my high school to attempt recruiting high juniors to Norwich was quite an experience.  MCW members returned a week early from winter break to attend Ice Trek.  How can I sum up such an experience such as Ice Trek?  I can't.  You will one day have to find out for yourself.  We took a bus to the Stowe area and camped out for the week and participated in various cold weather activities.  MCW is definitely unlike any extracurricular activity or club offered on any colllege campus, and I would even dare to say that it helps set Norwich apart from many other colleges.

    Last week was the first week of the semester, and it was a week of ups and downs.  I certainly didn't expect first semester to same as second semester, but this semester is so different.  Emotionally, it feels strange-- some rooks came back, some didn't.  I see familiar faces, but in civilian clothes.  Also, there have been some changes in the chain of command, especially in Cavalry.  Norwich really encourages its students to study abroad, and many of the Cavalry Troop upperclassmen have taken advantage of this offer.  I am happy to say that my rook buddies have really stuck with this whole Rookdom thing, and that leaving the Corps for the sake of freedom such wearing normal clothes, watching television, doing whatever-- is not worth it at this point.  I believe that my rook buddies and I have developed certain responsibilities in feeling accountable and supporting one another.  I am not trying to be overly-idealistic or exaggerate the situation, but most of my rook buddies and I have found a niche.  After being together since August, though some changes have happened since then, it's the same faces I see every morning, at every meal, and right before bed.  When a rook buddy or someone among the leadership isn't there, it's noticeable.

     Second semester is a little different for rooks Corps-wise.  This week, the Corps initiated its advanced leadership training phase.  So, a corporal (second-year/sophomore) is assigned as an assistant platoon sergeant for each freshman platoon.  3 freshmen from the same company are assigned as assistant staff sergeants.  It's strange to think that in less than 2 years, my rook buddies and I will be different ranks-- no longer the same rank or lack thereof.  Some of them will even be in the position that our Cadre are in now.  How much of freshman year will we miss?  Will it be weird when rook buddies outrank each other?  Will we still have the same sense of camaraderie?  Well, there's a lot more that is going to happen before then.

     On Tuesday, the Corps has training referred to as "TAT" (Tuesday Afternoon Training).  It usually involves a room inspection, but this week, the rooks received a briefing from the Regimental Command Sergeant Major about opportunities uniquely available to Norwich.  There is no singular, concise definition of the Norwich experience.  It varies according the individual, the class as a whole, and the leadership.  However, much of the Norwich experience also relies of personal initiative, which becomes more inherent as time goes by.  Many times on campus one will hear that "Norwich is what you make of it."  Some of the highest ranking cadets in the Corps have travelled and spent a semester in as far away as Australia, the Middle East, and even at other military academies.  There are some really cool opportunities availabe here, and I am still learning about them.   

     Well, time to get back to Rookdom. There's an entire semester of academics and training to be done.

Thanks for reading,

Rct. Son                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Back to School

Hello Reader!

      Thanksgiving break was great!  My family saw a change in me, including my relatives.  I suppose Norwich really does change people.  Well, it's full speed ahead towards classes and activities until finals which come up in a couple weeks.  Then, it's Christmas break!  But I have a feeling it's going to be 22 long days until then...

     It was great catching with family and friends.  Isn't it amusing to do something out of the ordinary and do something the people you knew and grew up with never expected?  Most of them are still in disbelief-- "You're going to a military school?!?"  Most of my relatives and acquaintances never guessed that I would go to a military school.  Even some of my high school teachers were shocked that I'm attending a military school, which brings me to a question: What type of person goes to a military school?  I don't have a set answer for this, but the most obvious answer would be that military school is probably for someone who plans for a career in the military.  However, in my case, and some of my rook buddies' cases, that is NOT true.  I do not believe that Norwich is only for people who want to go into the military.  I also believe that sometimes having an open mind and learning attitude is more important than having prior experience in the military.  A note to Prospective Students: prior military experience is not necessary.  Many freshman, including myself, come to Norwich with no military experience.  My school never offered JROTC, and even though some things may be easier had I joined JROTC or Civil Air Patrol in high school, I find that it's more important to make connections and form bonds with rook buddies.  Being a rook here is a team effort, and the rook experience would be terrible without my roommates, rookbuddies (including those from other companies), flightmates, and MCW (hooah) buddies.  I can't always depend on myself, and I've learned that I can't always depend on others, but finding a balance between self-reliance and asking for help and receiving help from others makes the experience fun and worthwhile.  I came here to disciplined and educated in many ways, but I also find that I am learning more about myself, as I am tested physically, mentally, educationally, and spiritually.  These are all areas of my life that are being challenged and strengthened slowly, but surely.

     Only time will tell me whether I've not made the right decision to come to Norwich, but right now, I'm having the time of my life.  There will come a time when I have to make a decision and deal with the consequences, but right now, I'm not looking back into the past, and I'm not anticipating the future.  There's too many other things that I've got in the present!

I hope you had a great Thanksgiving!

K. Son

Happy Thanksgiving

Hello Reader!

     It's been an interesting week, but then nearly any week is pretty interesting here at Norwich.  (Or, should I say that I am an easily amused person anyway?)

     During this week, when I stepped outside to go to PT, the ground was frozen hard, and covered in glittery, crystalline frost.  I don't think I could've taken a picture of it, but the way the sky was still dark and the moonlight was hitting the ground, it looked as if somone had sprinkled white, silvery glitter all over the ground.  It was just one of those moments where you wished you had a camera, but you didn't want to the spoil the moment so you could enjoy the view.

     Last night, by time I had returned from my last class, the campus was quiet.  When I had left the barracks a few hours earlier, the campus was a abustle with noise and happy chatter with students excited to commence their vacation. A light, consistent flurry was falling from the sky, and for a moment, it felt like a perfect day.  By the time I was returning back to the barracks, a few of the last cars were pulling out of the UP, and the campus seemed empty and quiet.  About 6 of my rook buddies ate chow together, and the 2nd floor of the Wise Campus Center had been locked in order to consolidate the seating area.

    Am I really going home?  It will be the first time since August.  Wow-- the last time I was home I had no idea that I would doing some of things I am doing now.  If someone had told me then, "Son, you are going to join MCW, be a candidate in Spec Ops, and memorize 4 pages of Norwich History..." I honestly would not have believed them.  There's is so much about this rook experience that I really cannot put into words-- it's either indescribable, or would simply not make sense to anyone unfamiliar with the campus.  It's weird-- I don't think I ever really thought about home in a long time.  There's a lot of things I've missed, my sister's birthday and those other special family moments.  I wonder how much my little sisters and brother have changed.  Will they think that I've changed too?  It's seems strange to me that I see my rook buddies more often than I do my own family.  Will my relatives still think of me as a kid, or would they see my differently now?  A lot changes in 3 months.  I still remember about this time of during my senior year, and I was stressed out over SATs, SAT IIs, report cards, and college applications.  I am so glad that is over!  I have yet to my parents my the validity in my decision to come to this school, but I am glad to be here.  I am not saying that things are easy, because that's not true, but I really cannot imagine myself on any other campus.  I wanted an adventure when I chose this school, and that's certainly what I got.  There are many things I have to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

    Once Thanksgiving Break ends, we'll be hitting the ground running.  Academically, preparations for finals will begin.  Corpswise, training will get harder.  But there are some things to look forward to too! (other than Christmas vacation)  For Mountain Cold Weather Company, we've learning about tying knots and survival skills such as shelter building, fire building, map reading, and such.  Ice Trek is coming up, which should be an exciting time!  Even though there will always be something to look forward to, for now, I am concentrating on enjoying the moment.

Happy Thanksgiving!

K. Son

Long Time, No Post

November 10, 2007

Hello Reader!

     It's been a long time since I last posted, and it goes to show how busy things get here at Norwich.  Now, I can just imagine any upperclassman smirking at such a comment made by a freshman, but I am being honest.  For me, my daily challenge here at Norwich is time management.

A Roller Coaster Ride

     Well, one thing I've learned by this point in the year is that priorities matter.  When I know that I am sacrificing an enormous amount of quality in my work, or certain tasks are not being accomplished at all, it's because I have limitations.  For example, I wish I were invincible, and I sometimes I wish I didn't need sleep so I could do anything and everything I wanted to.  But, I can't.  First off, academics must remain the top priority at Norwich.  Secondly, when adding extracurriculars and clubs to the plate, sometimes other areas of such as homework and chores don't get done.  I've found that being involved in clubs takes means that I have to find other ways to make up for the time I've missed with the rest of the platoon.  As a result, I've cut down on my activities so I can concentrate on a few things and be able to put forth my best effort.

Mid-Semester Break

     Mid-Semester Break was great!  I didn't go home, but my parents did come to visit me and take me to dinner.  I remember sitting down at the restaurant and feeling so good to be able to eat at ease.  After not seeing my family for a while, it makes me realize how much things change, and some things stay the same.  I know that in some ways that I've changed as a person, and I don't know if that's because it's a part of growing up, or because of this unique college experience.  My parents commented that they noticed a change in me-- which I partially attribute to daily PT (Spec Ops) and better posture (eating at attention).  However, one thing that I hadn't changed was my appetite.  My father commented, "How can you still eat like that?!?"  Did I mention that I love food?  I think my parents were happy because even though they say I've changed, I am still that same person that left home 3 months ago.

     Another great thing about mid-semester break as a rook on campus is that even though all the same rules concerning rookdom apply at all times, a simple privilege such as walking leave to Northfield feels amazing!  The Northfield town center is not very large-- it has a few essential shops and a few restaurants.  It is uncrowded, uncluttered, and quiet.  It was great to go down to Northfield to eat meals together and converse freely while eating at ease.  These are rare moments because when rooks are on campus, there is not really an opportunity to speak freely.  For once, we were taking our time to order meals without having to rush through the shortest lines in the chow hall, and sit and take our time eating without having to move out quickly from the chow hall to make room for the next company to be seated.

Black Monday

Black Monday came and went.  It was the day that recruits in Cavalry Troop were reminded that Cavalry has standards unlike any other battalion in the Corps.  It was a wake up call, and my rook buddies and I all realized how important it is to be motivated, have an open-minded learning attitude, and be willing to work as a team because tougher times are coming.  As recruits, we don't have leadership roles, but as the year goes by, we are all slowing learning and acquiring the necessary training and traits of one day becoming a leader. 

Regimental Ball

     The Reggie Ball was a really good time.  The most valuable part of this experience was being to learn more about my rook buddies.  It was strange to see my rook buddies acting in a more at ease manner, and for once, not all in uniform.  I could finally see how different each of my rook buddies are, and that they are people with different personalities behind their locked on expressions.  I was actually dreading going the Regimental Ball-- balls/dances are not my idea of fun.  However, my rook buddies made it an enjoyable experience as we all got to know each other better, and with the amount of camaraderie and school spirit that goes into this event.  The Regimental Ball is more than just a ball, it is an evening filled with tradition and company pride.  As a recruit in 2nd Platoon Cavalry Troop, I was inspired by the pride of the upperclassmen and the camaraderie that they had as Cavalry Troopers.  I wonder someday, maybe someday, my rook buddies and I will have earned that right to be called Cavalry Troopers because it will be worth it.

Halloween

     Within the Corps, the freshman put on a skit parade for the upperclassmen.  It is an opportunity to demonstrate company pride and motivation.  Cavalry Troop 2nd platoon dressed up in matching costumes.  The costumes were limited to the uniforms we were issued, so creativity and originality was essential to the costume.  It was a day to remember.

The End of Rook Basic Training

     Rooks are still rooks.  This event heralds the second phase of freshman year.  However, with that comes a bunch of privileges!  Some of these include eating at ease in the chow hall, no sandwiching name and rank of the upperclassmen and officers, and finally grounding the maroon Rook cover.  It feels amazing being able to sit back in a chair and make small talk with my rook buddies.  We've waited 3 months for this!  The cadre of course will say that this only means that the standards go higher, and we still haven't earned anything yet.  I know that a lot of my rook buddies worry about these privileges, because with these privileges comes more responsibility to make sure that none of us is abusing them.  If one recruit messes with a privilege, it is very likely that the privilege would be taken away from all recruits in every company.   It feels good that my rook buddies and I have made it this far, and even better now that we have some privileges.   

      

Thanks for reading my blog,

K. Son

P.S. Prospective Students: Check out MCW!  If you're interested in AirForce ROTC, check out Spec Ops! (Even then, you won't know what it is until you try it yourself.) 

Coming Up For Air

Hello Reader!

      [Just a note before I start this entry: As soon as I posted my last entry, I was promptly informed that the OFFICIAL Black Monday has NOT happened yet......]

     Today is the start of mid-semester break.  After two stressful weeks of exams and essays, I feel as if I can finally come up for air.  Right now, the campus population seems to have thinned out.  It's quiet and serene.  Most of my rook buddies have left for the weekend, and so tonight a small of group of my rook buddies took advantage of the walking leave privilege granted to rooks staying on campus this weekend.  The cadre have told us what a great privilege has been granted to us, and that they never had the same privilege when they were rooks.  I feel relaxed and satisfied-- I just came back from the chow hall which was practically empty.  It was wonderful--- I had a table to myself and I took my time eating my meal without any disruption or worrying about getting an assignment/chore done (while of course still posting properly for permission and eating attention).  I am so used to rushing and chewing furiously like a chipmunk/squirrel so I can bus my tray and get out of there in order to arrive in class on time. 

    For the most part, being a rook is not terrible.  There are certainly good days and bad days.  (The cadre just reminded us that we are in for a rude awakening....)  However, what I miss most is having a trash can in my room.  Every room has a dry erase board posted next to it.  Whenever we go anywhere, and I mean anywhere, we are required to fill the time out, time in, location, and purpose.  Filling out this board can sometimes be huge drag, in addition to having to square the hallway.  Squaring the hallway entails using facing movements and coming to attention after each facing movement.  A facing movement to the right or left must be made for every corner or object in the hallway.  From my desk, I can actually see the trash bin in the hallway simply 3 feet away from my door, but I'll have to walk around the entire hallway just to throw something away.  What should be a 10 second task turns into a 4 minute task.  Rumor has it that rooks won't get trash bin privileges until we are recognized-- next year.  The cadre tell us that we could be the first class to be recognized as cadets during second year as sophomores.  How awful.  Waiting until we recognized just for the simple privilege of using the trash bin.  (Right now my trash bin and roommates' trash bins are stacked upside-down and are currently being used as a doorstop.)   Oh well.  I guess it's not really that big of a deal.

     I find it somewhat amusing-- by this time of the year, the rooks have been a couple months in, and upperclassmen probably feel like they've been here for an eternity.  Some students here will talk dismissively about the school, town, and Vermont in general, and it makes one wonder why they even came here.  But most of the time, I think it's done humorously because the majority of students here take the Corps seriously and do have enormous pride in their school.  Then, some may even say that Norwich is really an acronym for "Name One Reason Why I Came Here."  Well, actually, a recent essay assignment for Air Force ROTC class was on the topic: "Norwich-- What Was I Thinking?"  Well, I know why I came to Norwich.  Over the summer, I started checking out the New Student Blogs where the Admissions Counselors offer tips prior to going off to college.  One video tip suggested writing down a list of reasons for going to Norwich as motivation during tough times.  Well, I haven't had to refer to my list yet, but I always have it ready.  Everyday, I am constantly reminded of the the tasks and assignments that need to be accomplished.  Everytime I walk in the gutter, sandwich titles/names/rank, refer to myself in the third person, it's because I haven't earned anything here yet.  Although rookdom is a challenge and the most difficult challenges are yet to come (2nd semester), it is a good feeling knowing that I am learning everyday, sharing a good memory with my rook buddies, or having a good laugh about something funny that happened with my roommates.  There are mixed reviews about rook year among the upper classmen.  Every once in a while, an upperclassman will share their Norwich story, and the surprising majority of them say that their rook year has been their best year thus far.  Though I may not understand all their reasons (not that they care to share them), I think I have a general idea.  Well, I have a full school year ahead of me and I'm concentrating on the now.

     The past two weeks, I've made a lot of mistakes or downright failed in time management, and just in rookdom in general.  There's a lot of rules and little things to remember.  Well, for now, I'll just have to keep reminding myself priorities.  I expect to be an expert in time management by the end of the school year, though I wish I could acquire the skills far before then.  Tomorrow should be an interesting day...

Thanks for reading my blog,

K. Son

P.S. Spec Ops = AWESOME MILK & COOKIES

P.P.S. MCW (Mountain Cold Weather Co.) is NOT just about tying knots

Black Monday & Beyond

Hello Reader!

      Cavalry Troop seems to have recovered from Parents' Weekend.  The week prior to Parents' Weekend was nonstop, because many tasks needed to be accomplished, which meant squeezing out more time in between classes and staying up late.  The banner and the jodi competition especially required much effort as a platoon.  It was difficult trying to coordinate our efforts as a team in accomplishing these tasks because of scheduling conflicts, differences in opinion, and such.  Despite these challenges, I think we as platoon really got a chance to know each other better and learn to work better with each other while working on the banner as well as getting each other up to speed on the marching routine.  (I've found that being involved in extracurriculars sometimes takes away time spent with the company.)  Tasks such as designing/constructing a company banner (approximately the size of 4 regular size bedsheets) and doing a marching routine requires a cooperative effort by everyone in the platoon.  Naturally, minor issues arose.  Not everyone can be a leader at the same time-- a leader needs followers, and when everyone tries to be the leader to accomplish a single task, nothing gets done.  I think we as a platoon quickly realized this, and that it wasn't the time for everyone to step up and take lead, but rather cooperate operating on a general consensus. 

      Many rooks look so forward to Parents' Weekend, as it is finally a chance to break out of rookie mode (head & eyes locked in looking forward, no talking, squaring meals, etc.), and experience life as a normal person.  As rooks build upon the anticipation of this weekend, the upperclassmen emphasize that rookdom resumes immediately the following Monday, fondly referred to as "Black Monday."  After coming from a restful & relaxing weekend with family, Black Monday was definitely the worst day of the week.  When I saw my family, I forgot how much I missed them.  I hadn't even spoken to them since the first day of rookdom!  (Even though we authorized one 10 minute phone call per week, I never did.  I'm not really sure why, and I guess I found it more convenient to correspond through e-mail.) I spent the weekend catching up with my family, and really had a great time.  Monday morning came, and as usual, I got bloused the minute I stepped into the hallway.  The rest of the day, I'm not sure why it was such a challenge, but it seemed as if the standards had gotten higher, and I was still a little sluggish & relaxed from the weekend.  Overall though, it Black Monday wasn't as terrible as I thought it could be.

     The past couple of weeks have been very eventful, and it's constantly a challenge to keep everything in balance.  As the midpoint in the semester approaches, I'm finding myself assessing my priorities, and contemplating what I really want to make of my college experience.  I'm trying not to have too much fun.  Now I'm not saying that academics can't be fun, but here at Norwich, even though the majority of the students lives revolve around this campus, I've found that life in the Corps does not solely emphasize a focus on academics, but more on the well-rounded individual.  It's a delicate balance-- academics vs. the Corps, but I think they could go hand in hand.  The Corps enforces the discipline, integrity, and time-management skills necessary for any task, and the academics can benefit.  The integrity and Honor Code that is so strongly emphasized in the Corps is applicable to academics and beyond.  I think most students would agree that other than the military lifestyle, Norwich is set apart from any other college campus because of its Honor Code.  Rooks have an honor training lecture every Monday evening.

      As rooks, we are all equals, but sometimes I find that some rooks get a little bossy, and they forget that we're all in this together.  I assume that some of it originates from the frustration of constantly being treated as subordinates.  However, there are some pleasant aspects to rookdom.  Generally there is a sense of unity among rooks because we are all going through the same challenge, and because of this, I find that there is strong sense of camaraderie among the rooks.  Any rook has a funny story to share about their rook buddy or advice to share that any rook can relate to, regardless of their company.  (There is some friendly rivalry between some of the companies, but it all seems to be done in good humor, and it's an opportunity to express pride & motivation in one's own company.)  I personally find it hilarious to hear my rook buddies & rook cousins talk about their experiences.  I would say that there is a sense of understanding between rooks (freshman), and I doubt that any other college campus has stronger sense of unity or camaraderie this early in the school year.   

     Well, like I wrote before, keeping busy is NOT difficult, but maintaining the intensity and discipline to complete those tasks is.  A day in the Corps is a full day--- PT in the morning, maybe a formation, academics, activities/clubs, additional honor/Corps training, and study hall.  Now upperclassmen are constantly reminding rooks that rooks cannot possibly ever be busier than upperclassmen, and that it only get busier as the years go by.  Well, I guess the only easy day was yesterday.  I admit that I probably won't be satisfied with my mid-semester grades, but hopefully, it's nothing too awful that cannot be improved significantly by the end of the semester.  My priorities are constantly being challenged, but I believe that there's a way to make it all work.  One professor even suggested that I leave the Corps in order to focus on academics for the goals that I have set for after graduation.  Well, the Corps shouldn't be such a hindrance to academics and overall, it isn't.  However, if you don't succeed in academics, it is difficult to succeed in the Corps.  When it comes to extracurriculars such as Spec Ops, students must maintain at least a minimum GPA in order to continue.  I think I am in the right place to strive towards being a well-rounded individual.

     Well, the quest to be less wordy continues, so I guess some things never change, or take a long time to change.  This weekend, I'm recharging, ready to start a new week.  I wonder what new surprises or exciting experiences this week will bring...

Thanks for reading my blog!

K. Son