1 Week Until R-Day

Colleges and Universities A-Z Military Academy - West Point
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<p>Class of 2011:</p>

<p>Congratulations to each and every one of you who will be attending R-Day. You've already come so far. </p>

<p>My few words of advice:</p>

<p>Enjoy this last week. Then enjoy (or try to enjoy parts of) Beast. </p>

<p>Remember why you made this choice. Someone suggested writing down your reasons and looking at it. You can do this when the going gets tough or even once a day (which could be the same thing).</p>

<p>Also remember that when times are getting tough, so many have already done this. You can, too. Don't quit during Beast. You'll always wonder what would have been. If your decision is a knee-jerk reaction to an incredibly bad day while you're under unbelievable stress, it's not the best decision. You need the space and time to make a sound decision.</p>

<p>The system is set up to help you succeed - even though it may feel like quite the opposite sometimes. Nobody wants you to fail. Your success is up to you. Pay attention. Maintain a positive attitude. Learn the skills. Study hard. Be a team player. Respect others.</p>

<p>Take a look at Go4It's post from last week. He makes some great points.</p>

<p>You're about to embark on an amazing experience with some amazing people.<br>
Anything worth having is worth working hard for. And you will work very, very hard. </p>

<p>Take advantage of Chaplain's Hours. This will be an appreciated respite - with food. You'll learn more about this during your first few days. Even those of you who may not be religious will enjoy this time. Try it.</p>

<p>We've come to know many of you from these boards and we've cheered you on. After Beast is over, consider reporting back here for the benefit of the class of 2012. They'll love to hear your experiences and stories. Also, we'll be on pins and needles to hear that you're all okay. You may even want to consider checking in with us during the ice cream social (which I think has a new name now), on the day the 2nd detail takes over. Your host may let you use a computer if allowed. You'll be half-way through Beast and the real fun will be starting. </p>

<p>Decide now and discuss with your families who you'll call when you have the chance. Many of you have phone numbers plugged into your cell phones and may not know the actual numbers. Make sure you know the phone numbers (home and cell) of the people you'll be calling. </p>

<p>Last, but not least, even though you'll only have a little time, write to your parents. They will be watching their mailboxes for your letters as longingly as you did while waiting for that appointment. You may want to consider having some pre-addressed and stamped envelopes or even postcards.</p>

<p>Go Army!</p>

<p>p.s. Perhaps some alumni, current cadets and other parents have more to add.</p>

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<p>When you think it's really bad, which it is most of the time, remember where you are and all the oppertunities being a West Point grad will give you.</p>

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<p>For those candidates with a warped sense of humor (you know who you are), you may find that these demotivational sayings will brighten your long Beast days. </p>

<p>For the full effect, you can see the demotivational posters at despair.com. Parents, my son enjoyed receiving mini copies of these in his Beast mail (the apple doesn't fall far from the tree). He would hand them out to his buddies when they were bemoaning the daily rigors of Beast.</p>

<p>AGONY - Not All Pain is Gain</p>

<p>AMBITION- The Journey of a thousand miles sometimes ends very, very badly</p>

<p>ADVERSITY- That Which Doesn't Kill Me Postpones the Inevitable.</p>

<p>INTIMIDATION- The Best Leaders Lead by Example. When that's not an Option, Brute Intimidation Works Pretty Well, Too.</p>

<p>CONFORMITY - When People are Free to Do as They Please, They Usually Imitate Each Other.</p>

<p>FUTILITY- You Always Miss 100% of the Shots You Don't Take and, Statistically Speaking, About 99% of the Shots You Do.</p>

<p>MISTAKES - It Could Be that Your Purpose in Life is Only to Serve as a Warning to Others. </p>

<p>IGNORANCE- It's Amazing How Much Easier It is For A Team to Work Together When No One Has Any Idea Where They're Going.</p>

<p>INEMPTITUDE - If You Can't Learn to Do Something Well, Learn To Enjoy Doing it Poorly.</p>

<p>IRRESPONSIBILITY - No Singe Raindrop Believes It is Responsible for the Flood.</p>

<p>LAZZINESS- Life is a Journey, Not a Destination. So Stop Running.</p>

<p>MEDIOCRITY - It Takes a Lot Less Time and Most People Won't Notice the Difference Until it is Too Late.</p>

<p>PESSIMISM - Every Dark Cloud has A Silver Lining, but Lightening Kills Hundreds of People Each Year Who are Trying to Find It.</p>

<p>MOTIVATION- If a Pretty Picture And a Cute Saying are all it Takes to Motivate You, You Probably have a Pretty Easy Job. The Kind Robots Will Be Doing Soon.</p>

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<p>LOL the last one is great</p>

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<p>aspen, </p>

<p>This is one of my favorite sites. I guess great warped minds think alike. Or maybe just warped minds think alike.</p>

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<p>Checking in from lovely Highland Falls, NY. It's hot (very), humid (very), and raining like crazy. Parents and Cadet Candidates: Start hydrating - you'll need it.</p>

<p>Tidbits of interest:
1) Concert at Trophy Point on Sunday evening for anyone interested. I'll be in the U of Illinois baseball cap.
2) New restaurant opening up on Main Street on Monday, 7/2. Looks like it's called the Provisions Cafe. Should be a good day to start a business in this town.
3) Town is very quiet today. The R-Day frenzy should be in full bloom this weekend. Once again, best to everyone!</p>

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<p>Food recommendation: Across from the Visitors' Center is a tiny little place called Suzy's. I just ate the BEST home made fries I've ever tasted. You can sit outside. They have a huge menu with 200+ toppings for hot dogs and 100+ for hamburgers. And sweet potato fries. Very fun place.</p>

<p>Maybe someone should start a restaurant thread?</p>

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<p>The restaurant Pizza place ..tonys I think which is --as I recall the closest place to the post on the street left side going in ..</p>

<p>btw.. thanks to the 2008 and 2009 class who helped us... son did civil prep then 2010 and is at buckner for Yearling year and loving it</p>