<p>flyboy it will be fine, just take things one step at a time. Like everyone has said You have to crawl before you walk, walk before you run etc. Declaring your destiny before making the journey is just an awkward place to put yourself in. You don't have to keep it to yourself, just dont shout it from Eagles Peak; well I guess that would be OK as long not to many others are around. Everyone here wants you to succeed, and not place hurdles in front of yourself before you begin the journey.</p>
<p>Don't apologize flyboy, we understand where you're coming from. Just remember some of the advice that's been offered here, and you'll be ok. Thread complete.</p>
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<p>If your concerns were truly the new candidate, why did you feel compelled to do it in public? A little grandstanding, perhaps? One of your own gave you some valuable advice. You should have heeded it. </p>
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<p>Yes, you are driving candidates away by prejudging them. Yes, it is my business. I have recommended candidates to this forum. I am relatively certain that that shall remain in the past tense.</p>
<p>Just hit the mute button. Did someone hear something?</p>
<p>I was probably the most enthusiastic person about coming to the Academy last year, and in hindsight I still say that enthusiasm and dedication are the main components to getting an appointment. And once I got past the I-Day jitters, I was still the most smiley and probably happiest basic all summer. That's my personality. In some ways, I wish that I had blended in a little bit more, been a little bit more of a stealth cadet, and learned to wipe the smile off of my face and not be so positive all the time. Because people will notice that you're different. However, that attitude is what kept me going through basic and all through the academic year until Recognition. First semester I sat at my training officer's breakfast table, and he would tell me every single morning that he must not be doing his job because I was supposed to be miserable and I was clearly way too happy. But I couldn't change that... that's just how I am. After Recognition, I got 23 sets of prop and wings and a ton of people came up to me to say that I am probably the most motivated and positive 4 degree that they have ever seen. Believe me! It's a good thing! And I can tell you that being happy and enthusiastic didn't make me "that guy" (or I guess "that girl") but that's because I cared about all of my classmates, always kept my cool in stressful situations in basic, and was looking for ways to help my teammates. Even though I was happy and that made me stand out, I still realized that basic wasn't about me, it was about becoming a team with the people I went through it with. And that attitude combined with enthusiasm and a positive outlook is what will make you a motivated basic and successful cadet. There are a lot of cynical people here, and you should try to avoid becoming like that! When you're actually a cadet, remember how excited you were to come here... that sometimes helps to put things in perspective. As long as you aren't irritatingly happy and insensitive to the people around you who are homesick, depressed, etc. (whatever the case may be), you will actually end up being an encouragement to your classmates in basic training. At least that's how it was in my squadron.</p>
<p>As far as goal setting, I think the only thing that cadets and parents are trying to point out is that sometimes it helps to just focus on taking "baby steps." (Anyone seen What About Bob? :)) But I completely agree that setting a goal will help you be more successful in the time that it takes to get there. For me, I decided that I wanted to try out for Wings of Green at the end of this summer. Even if I don't make it, it's caused me to work a lot harder to try and be competitive for a slot. Part of me doubts that it's going to happen. But it would be awesome if it did, and it has helped me to do my best now.</p>
<p>I think I can speak for everyone when I say that we're all just trying to help and make the transition to the Academy a little easier. I know it helped me a lot before I came when I had a bazillion questions and everyone was so willing to help me. So let's all just put this to rest and remember the good that comes off of these forums. No one would actually waste their time posting on here if they didn't care. :)</p>
<p>Well said, and I can hear it now "look up in the Sky is that a meteor, a missle, a fireball, oh wait it is just redhead". Knowing you and your determination I am sure your spot on wings of green awaits.</p>
<p>ds - How funny you are. Too funny! I am just cackling!</p>
<p>Redhead, you must seriously know you are greatly loved on this forum, maybe even by your fellow cadets. :) Coming from your eloquent writing skills and being female and often kind in spirit and thought when the opposite gender tends to be more blunt, and for all those other wonderful excuses that keep anyone from accusing YOU of grandstanding, we are so appreciative of your sharing of your experiences just as we are of ALL the cadets doing so. So......thank you for your insight. Same to all of you other cadets.</p>
<p>I also know, from all the posts on this forum and from all the years I have been reading these posts and know of these "kids", some personally, this CC group is tight! To all incoming Basic Cadets - you will be protected by this group if you need protection. You will be guarded, helped, defended and cared for as needed. "Reprimanding" by any of the CC'ers should be taken in the spirit given - "we are all in this together". They want you to succeed.</p>
<p>Just my 2cents and I'm sticking to it!</p>
<p>Thanks, redhead. Well said.</p>
<p>If people had met me before inprocessing and drew more attention to my physical abilities, I would have been wise to work on that more. It might have saved me 3 1/2 semesters of athletic probation.</p>
<p>from reading a little of this thread as well as the west point "that guy" thread, here are my thoughts.</p>
<p>first off there are two kinds of "that guy" in my opionion. one of them is the enthusiastic go getter who is an f-up. they have dreams of doing big things in their respective service yet they cant go a week without somehow getting in trouble. they are usually nice people but their constant screw ups cause them to be avoided. they are usually a little goofy looking. West Points Milty the III is a good example.</p>
<p>the other "that guy" is the tool who thinks they know everything and thinks they are better than everyone else. they would rather suck up to their superiors than help out their classmates. they dont realize that in addition to being an officer you have to be a real person too and so they have no friends. the example of the pilot who is good at being a pilot but never hangs out with other pilots is a good example of this "that guy." </p>
<p>you dont want to be either. realize that pretty much everyone wants to be successful in the coolest jobs of their service. its really a given and you dont need to broadcast it. i think someone already said it in this thread, actions speak louder than words. dont talk about the big things you're going to do, instead work hard, keep a positive attitude, and work together with your classmates to get through whats currently happening.</p>
<p>i havent read this entire thread so if this has already been said or is out of context by now on page 4 i apologize. i've just seen 2 "that guy" threads and wanted to give my opionion on the matter</p>
<p>BJ10MOM Benjo's mom right? Well I couldn't agree with you more about the Cadets who make time for this forum. They will always answer even the simplest questions asked by either Candidate or Parent. Take time to get personal and offer advice from their own experiences. Reach out to the underclassmen, and candidates. They respect the boundries of fraternization, and still offer encouragement. I know my duaghter has benefited greatly from their association, and she will be there for those that follow. That has been the unique thing about this forum as opposed to some of the others, reaching out to those that follow. Sorry Raimius, but as you said if someone had shown you the way 3 1/2 semesters of Recondo might have been avoided.
Anyone who has followed this forum knows that not everyone will get in, and not everyone will get through. Some will fall in BCT to injury, others during Ac year to the rigors of Academics, and as we have sorrowfully have seen still others to jsut not being able to avoid the traps of the Honor system. I can tell you this all happened to the CC candidates from 2011. In each case I know they had the support and strength of this community. </p>
<p>For the class of 2012 please pay heed to the advice given. These Cadets have been where you are going. When the troubles begin, and they will, don't be afraid to ask for advice from your peers and upperclassmen here. They will be frank and honest. When you are looking for that candy or hamburger on 4th of July don't be suprised to see Potter, Redhead, CDK, Falcons, Petko or the rest. When BCT is in full swing know you will probably be greeted by a scary Blue Beret wearing Cadre like G4C or worst yet Eagle, but if they hand you a cellphone don't let that go to your head either. </p>
<p>All of these Cadets have made an effort to go beyond what the system calls on them to do. Each will give you the best advice they can. Your only obligation is to listen and decide if you will follow the advice.</p>
<p>I must agree that these cadets really do go above and beyond. At the CC dinner my DH kept asking me if these cadets were there as part of an assignment by the Academy. He just couldn't believe that all of y'all would give so much of yourself without the requirement to do so. In this day and age when all we seem to hear about is what is wrong with the youth of today it is nice to see such a dedicated group of young people that care so much about the future of our sons and daughters!</p>
<p>Thank-you, Thank-you...</p>