Message for DisgruntledAlumn

Colleges and Universities A-Z Merchant Marine Academy - Kings Point
1

<p>Quite frankly DA, I don’t think you’re scathing comments about KP deserve anyone’s time and attention, let alone the amount of dust you have stirred up amongst these people who care about the Academy. And although it’s against my complete better judgment to fan your fire, I find it astonishing that you have to level yourself by criticizing so harshly and must question your severe myopia and immaturity. Where did it state in your acceptance to the Academy that you would sail through another 4 years of sheltered life after high school? The things you criticize about life at KP are the same kinds of roadblocks and challenges that responsible adults face and deal with in everyday life. In my mind, those kinds of challenges are the most valuable lessons you could embrace – for your own sake. </p>

<p>The “unfairness”, the “unprofessionalism” you carry on and on about – welcome to adulthood! If you think you should have been launched out of the Academy having had the most problem-free and nurturing experience, expecting the world to be a perfectly rosy place, you have no understanding of the real story behind your education there. </p>

<p>Life in the “real world” is far from perfect – from the major to the minor issues. Have you ever had to spend an hour on hold with a phone company to get your statement adjusted for problem they were responsible for? Then you turn around and watch commercial after commercial about what a great service provider they are? Then have to call them again for the same problem that was neglected next month? Ever have your boss pull all kinds of strings for the co-worker that you know for a fact stole an idea or backstabbed someone? I can’t think of a single commercial enterprise that I have dealt with in my many adult years that has lived up to its all its claims. This is what you fault KP with. But you know what? You get smart and LEARN from it. If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem. Why don’t you get out of the job you aren’t happy with and go work for MARAD and put your energy into making KP a better place than when you were there? Since you are so intimate with the problems at KP, do something constructive about it. You are in the wrong forum if you think you will find a sympathetic ear to your magnitude of complaining.</p>

<p>Don’t forget the fact that you are degrading the very institution that gave you your education. You say you spent 4 years at a loser school? How does that make YOU look?</p>

<p>Go back and read your posts and the ensuing comments from others. Don’t you see a common thread to everyone’s remarks to you? They are saying, far too nicely, I might add - appreciate the good things you acquired from the school, acknowledge the questionable things and MOVE ON. Whining and complaining under the thinly-veiled guise of “I’m just being honest to anyone who really wants to know,” isn’t fooling anybody. The only reason you got the attention that you did get is because people find it hard to believe you are not a complete ruse. If you are for real, the only explanation is that you spent 4 years at the wrong school and most likely took the place of someone who would appreciate it. You call yourself an optimist? Really! If you think you have a voice of experience and want to offer advice to potential applicants, dial up some ability to temper the pros and cons with objectivity and sensitivity. And lastly, take some personal responsibility for your position in life. You will be far more credible.</p>

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<p><em>clap clap clap</em>
and I add a standing ovation.
Thank you.</p>

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<p>Only 2 posts... but speaks VOLUMES! Wow.
Life is what you make it...</p>

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<p>Appreciate the time you spent to read my posts and the time you spent to reply mr/mrs poppy.</p>

<p>I went to 12 different schools before I graduated 12th grade.
I lived in four states during this time and two countries.
I am not a military brat, I come from a torn home.
I have watched a home I lived in was ripped apart by a tornado in front of my eyes.
I sat in a house during a category 4 or 5 hurricane and lived without power for three weeks and no running water.
I will stop here.</p>

<p>Please don't act like you know me and act like i've lived a "sheltered life." I took responsibility for my life a LONG time ago. Being the first and still the only person in my family to graduate from a college speaks for itself. </p>

<p>Don't talk to me about responsibility when I took care of three younger siblings when I was ten years old because my mother felt partying was more important during the nights. </p>

<p>I don't want a pitty party but it seems I have to help you understand that NOTHING in my life was giving to me and I've had to fight everyday to get ahead. I know what life is, possibly far more than you but I'm not going to judge you. I'm not going to judge those who agree with you either, you are all entitled to your opinions. I have yet to lie about the academy or name names to which people I dislike. </p>

<p>I am not here for you. I know there are tons of people that believe what they want to believe and sometimes you can't teach an old dog new tricks. I'm sure there are tons of people that are extremely happy with KP and what has been given to them. I deal with ******** all day long. I can see through the ********. I have way to many friends from KP that are quite upset about the way they've been treated since graduation. I went through the academy and while people complained I just went through. I felt it was better to not say anything, go under the radar and just be done with the place. Whether that was the best thing to do, I can not say for sure. </p>

<p>I got hundreds of stories about the academy, like when people would lay piles off poop in other showers the night before inspections. Absolutely disgusting for this so called "great" academy. I know about kids that knowingly mixed bleach and ammonia and tossed it into band co and got a few kids sick. I know about people who layed pills of poop on Reg Row because they thought it was funny. I know about a kid who was tripping on drugs shouting about how he was jesus and then the academy threw him out. This kid later commited suicide. I wonder if the academy tried to help him or just threw him out. This list goes on and on.</p>

<p>These are things you don't know and couldn't know because you weren't there. Maybe all this happens at other schools and goes unreported, I wouldn't know. I'm tired of typing, I suck at it anyway. Have a field day, Toodles!</p>

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<p>DisgruntledAlumn, you are right. No one on this or any forum can know what kind of life each other has lead. I can appreciate your struggles to overcome and I think I can also understand how someone who has worked to get where he is at can be frustrated with a school that he wants to love, but can't because of the crap that he's seen. </p>

<p>You might be able to better help the situation you see at the Academy by being constructive versus just pointing out the garbage. We have a son who went to West Point and a nephew who went to USAFA. We can pile it on there too if we wanted, but to what end? It wouldn't take much to find dirt at each of the academies.</p>

<p>Why not help out by being someone who is constructive and builds up. Lord knows the school doesn't need any more folks to tear it apart. Work in the background if needed, but help so the situation will be better. You will be the better for it as will the academy. Figure out a way to help since you and your wife are graduates. Make it something you would be proud to be a part of so others can share in it.</p>

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<p>I'll say what everybody else is thinking. Your full of ****. How's that for a category 4 or 5 response.</p>

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<p>If all you say is true. Come out in the light of day and state your case. Don't hide on the internet. If you are truthful than there are public forums where you can shed light on these misdeeds. Of course you would have to publicly stand behind your allegations.</p>

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<p>Maj...i do plan on next year looking into what I can do to help.</p>

<p>Seascout, you are right, it's all a hoax and with your knowledge you should run for president...maybe there's still time for you to capture the dem side.</p>

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<p>Make a stand to what, sue the academy? I will do what I can in the future to fix what I feel is wrong with the academy. Until then, I can only continue to answer prospective students questions regarding the academy.</p>

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<p>Dont't look into it. Have the courage of your convictions. I bet you will still be crying 10 years from now.</p>

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<p>Sorry, SS. Maybe he is, maybe he's not.
Maybe he has an opportunity to grow, change, right the wrongs... etc.
[He could be a powerful Jedi if he uses his powers for good ;) ]</p>

<p>Poppy & Maj have made good points, with the uniting thread being about taking responsibility for ones own life, make the most of each opportunity, and (additionally) working to make things better ... That is a characteristic of this forum... CONstructive sharing. </p>

<p>Make that your goal. Your last response could have been more thoughtful.</p>

<p>Besides:
1) If he IS full of what you say, then your response won't change anything or make him go away.. just the opposite.. He'll post a retaliatory response as well.. Unproductive escalation. [ Mostly, you'll see that happen on other service academies forums, some on the East coast, maybe in MD <grin> ].
--or--
2) If he IS NOT full of what you say, then your response won't change anything or make him go away.. just the opposite.. He'll post a retaliatory response as well.. Unproductive escalation. </grin></p>

<h2>Please note the different outcomes between path 1 and path 2 for your response.</h2>

<p>Here's a tip, however. ANYone can be a DisruntledAlum no matter WHERE they went to school. Be determined to overcome any obstacle. Look for positive ways to make a difference while you are there AND after you have (hopefully) graduated. It's a hard place . It's a VERY hard place. </p>

<p>Do they have some great teachers? Yes!
Do they have some teachers whose style is NOT great? Yes again!
(Admin, like at EVERY school, works to make things better. And I'm sure the VADM & newer head guy for Academics are working hard to make sure that DA's complaints have lesser basis at time goes on... I've seen good strides, and my kid's just a plebe now)</p>

<p>You are going to find you have bosses/coworkers/complaints JUST LIKE THAT in the real world everywhere you go. You probably experienced the same in High School... but this little KP pressure cooker amplifies it considerably.</p>

<p>--
PS. Get ready for Indoc. RUN. Make hotel reservations. Exercise. Did I say RUN, yet?</p>

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<p>DisgruntledAlumn, check out Deepdrafts “rules to live by” #8 below..


</p>

<p>And please leave trashing Kings Point to us “schoolship” types.. we do a much better job of it. :)</p>

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<p>Wow. You guys sure type a lot faster than I do.
ummm. Maybe you shouldn't ;)</p>

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<p>not to prove anyone wrong but I will going now. i'm not quite sure what a "schoolship" is but have fun with it. All I ask is that all you who hold this place so highly continue to do so and don't be hypocrites. The school needs good people, now, more than ever. I wish I could be happy with KP but it continues to screw over people I care about. </p>

<p>Enjoy your lives folks and grow up, it's just the internet.</p>

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<p>Well, DA "schoolship" is what a State Maritime Academy is sometimes referred to as... The term is a bit archaic, and given that you are brand new to the maritime business you probably haven't heard it yet.. You got a lot to learn, partner..</p>

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<p>Somehow, I was not surprised at all with the background report. The thing I feel bad about is that the past appears to have created bitterness that is messing up the present. I wish life had been easier for you. I wish you had a Mom who loved you. I wish your living situation could have been better. I wish my husband and I had met and become friends with you while you were at KP.</p>

<p>Your complaints about KP are valid, but there needs to constructive ways to lead toward change. This avenue is more of a chat outlet, and information streetcorner chats. I am sure there are other avenues that would be much more worthwhile in creating change. I hope you find it.</p>

<p>I will say something though, about your examples, of feces, etc. We have worked with many colleges and universities, and I could tell you things going on that would make even your hair turn on end. This school, because it's a military academy, does not have anywhere near what goes on elsewhere. The atmoshphere at colleges today is sad. The students think that once they are in college they belong to a culture that is degenerate, no respect for anything, and lawless. So, my suggestion would be that when you find your avenue to affect change for KP, work on the areas that will make a difference to the school itself. This could include such things as policies, fairness, good profs, strict rules that are the same across the board for infractions. It might include more personal help for students who need counseling or need someone who will listen. I would be very interested in seeing how you do in affecting change. Your wife was a female midshipman, so she would have lots of input as well. </p>

<p>I hope things work out for you. I hope that both you and your wife find positions and careers that are very exciting. </p>

<p>Seakid, I will end with a negative note. You are young , not even out of high school. Your comment and your attack on this thread, made me pause. I don't know how you are doing in your grades, but you are failing in an important area, in my opinion. You have an attitude that is cruel, and nasty. I would hope, if you learn nothing else, you correct that area before coming to KP. Don't be so smug and thinking just of yourself, that it's fun to put someone else down.</p>

<p>For those of you who think that I'm strictly sweetness and light, I have a tough side of me when I see nastiness, sarcasm, and cruelity. I can't stand it. They certainly are not traits that make for a midshipman we can be proud of.</p>

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<p>DA--sounds like you have alot more issues than just KP. </p>

<p>You could probably use someone to talk to about all of the negative influences that you unfortunately had in your life. I hope you find someone. </p>

<p>There is some advice I can offer to you:
1. Be impeccable with your word
2. Don't take anything personnally
3. Don't make assumptions
4. Do your best</p>

<p>Read the book THE FOUR AGREEMENTS</p>

<p>I wish you the best. We are just trying to be encouraging to our kids and those interested in the academy. It clearly is not for everyone and can certainly make people think twice about what they want to do with their life, but I think that's the point. </p>

<p>Good Luck!</p>

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<p>KPMOM is right, some universities are much worse and parents are pay 30-40K per yr. Go over to parents cafe, UMD's dorm Easton Hall, the housekeepers went on strike because they were tired of cleaning up feces and vomit. </p>

<p>DA the best thing you can do is to take your valid experience and let these kids know that how each of you treats the other will make adifference on how they will walk away. By explaining that they may be the brunt of these pranks, wouldn't they think twice about how they acted. In reality, there will be jerks at any and all universities who are so insecure about themselves that the only way they feel better about themselves is to make sure somebody else feels worse. :(</p>