<p>hey everyone, i am facing a bit of a dilemna and need some help. my dad gave me the option of taking my cell phone with me to the academy. i know i wont be able to have it during BCT, but what about during the school year? and if i am allowed, is it worth it? you see, i kind of want to leave all my distractions behind me and only focus on excelling at the academy. that is why i will be deleting my myspace, and most likely getting a new e-mail address. i could see why getting a new phone would be cool within my circle of academy friends, but i could also see it being kind of a distraction. not to say that i am a chatter box, but having such a direct connection with anyone i know back at home could be burdensome and it might be a good idea to just dump the phone. as i write this i think of the possibility of changing my cell phone number, but i still want your advice. thanks :)</p>
<p>hornet loves his blackberry pearl. or did anyway :)</p>
<p>I would recommend that you have a cell phone and your parents can send it or give it to you by Parent's weekend. Initially you may have only weekend privileges and phone use may be and is restricted in a variety of settings and/or circumstances. I wouldn't worry about being a chatter box as you cannot take calls as freely as you would as a civilian your 4 dig year.</p>
<p>Unless you are a chronic chatterbox, don't worry about it. Having a phone is very usefull! I don't know of anyone without one. A phone will not be a large distraction, if you don't make it one. </p>
<p>Another word of advice, don't burn your bridges. Your relationships with your friends will change, but they don't have to end. In fact, I would recommend keeping in touch with them.</p>
<p>i'd die without a phone. so i'd bring it, or have it shipped or brought out after BCT if you don't want to leave it in storage b/c rare cases things can get lost (mine was fine).</p>
<p>your usage is limited for the first half of the first semester anyway, so i wouldn't worry about it. but its definetely nice to have.</p>
<p>missmuff, I do indeed love my blackberry. :) Nice to grab e-mail while bored in class lol. Better than lugging this brick of a computer!</p>
<p>by the way hornetguy, i did say yes to your offer :)</p>