Hello all,
Sorry about the long vacation, February is always the hardest month for most people here, it's the only month that we're here the whole way through with awful weather and no breaks--not to mention Valentine's Day as well.
But another midterm is here and it's an ever more real thought that college is halfway over. Then begins the rest of our lives, whether it be in the military or the civilian world. We all have some big choices to make, and it's readily coming closer to a time where we can't change our minds anymore. It's a scary notion that the time in our life of potential is coming to an end and the time for embarking on our careers is nearly upon us. But that's not as melancholy a thought as it sounds on the surface, hopefully for most of us that means we will be embarking along long fruitful careers that keep us happy and fulfilled.
I don't know if it's good or bad that all of my midterms have already been taken. This upcoming week will be quie boring, but I guess that just means more gym time!
Questions:
What is it like living in a colder climate?
-It's a bit depressing if you aren't used to it, get used to the colors of white and grey, they'll be around a lot. But the temperature itself isn't that bad. You will adjust very quickly to it, and Norwich gives you a plethora of uniforms to keep warm.
What is the best thing about Norwich? Or living in Vermont?
-The best thing is also the worst thing:everything in this town revolves around Norwich. Everyone here is very nice, but it also turns into a secluded little world if you let it. Get out and see Burlington or Barre, you'll already get to know Northfield very well just by coming here.
How has Norwich made you a better person?
-I can certainly say I do more than a fair amount of learning here, as long as I apply myself. College, and Norwich, will generally serve to improve most of us. We get to expand our minds and meet new people (weird, interesting, cruel, eccentric) thy all are somehow represented here.
How does Norwich compare to the other senior military colleges?
-Personally, I haven't been to any of the others, so I can't say from personal experience, but I do know that The Citadel lost its accreditation recently...so yeah.
What is your favorite thing about Norwich?
-The people, my roommates are some of the best friends I have, everyone has a semi-similar mindset and beliefs in service and patriotism, which is nice and hard to find at most colleges.
How do you feel about the civilians on campus?
-Some of my besy friends here are civilians and they're usually very nice people. Just don't anger them or they'll run to your building and pull the fire alarms when you're asleep--or maybe that was the guy who never learned how to cook mac 'n' cheese...
How challenging is The Corps of cadets mentally and physically?
-As challenging as you make it. Really, thats what my Platoon leader told us every night before lights out last year. "This place is what you make of it." The Corps alone will not get you into perfect shape, it will help, but you need to have self-motivation too. Unless you want it and really try, you won't change much, you may stand straighter out of habit or say sir more often, but unless you really apply yourself, you won't change much.
What is it really like as a Rook?
-Fun, I know it sounds weird at first, but as long as you prove yourself--and everyone else in your platoon can--you will have a legitimately fun time semi-often while you're still a rook. You will almost certainly have had more miserable times, but it's not all awful. Just apply yourself, be hiknest, don't make stupid mistakes, and you'll be fine. Rookdom isn't that hard, you mostly just do as you're told, if you can do that, you'll be just fine. It's entirely a headgame.
Is the food good?
-Yes, it is above average and many visitors from other schools say that its really good and some even say its better than the chow hall at their school. It jst loses it's luster after you have it every day, three times a day. But it is honestly pretty good, and sodexo does their best to keep it interesting, just pray that they do hot wings on Super Bowl Sunday like usual!
May the Force be with you!
-Luke