<p>In the front half of plebe year there are two important events that you will never have the chance to do again, I-Day and PPW. That said if financial or other family reasons force you to select attending only one, the clear choice is PPW.</p>
<p>I-Day is one of the best days and absolute worst days of your life as a parent. It's the best becuse you see your child achive a dream and goal that seemed impossible only a few months before. Seeing them walk through the doors of Alumni Hall as your child, waiting around all day, the induction ceremony, and that final 60 minutes with them on Stribling Walk are moments in time that you can not replace. The pride you feel in your child is indescribable but the sense of loss and end to their childhood time spent with you produces an emense feeling of sadness. It is a day you will never forget and a shared memory with your child.</p>
<p>PPW - If you make it to morning PEP you can see them go through their last morning of PEP. You can't talk to them or even wave but they know your are there. They are pumped and you are excited. They head back to Bankcroft and change. Formation finally ends and you see them in their dress whites for the first time. Takes your breath away. The next three days are a blurr in time, so good but so short. They are still your child but they are different. The walk, the talk, how they carry themselves are a noticeable change and evolution. They have made it through an amazing challange and have come out the other side ready for the next challange which is AC year. Just as important, you can hug and talk to them and you know they are OK.</p>
<p>Parents of 2012 best of luck to you and your about to be plebes! Get ready for a heck of a ride. Semper Gumby!</p>