Rewinding a Year

Colleges and Universities A-Z Air Force Academy - Colorado Springs
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<p>I was reading over some old posts and I came across one I wrote back in July on Doolie Day Out. It was pretty funny to read that because it feels so long ago but so recently at the same time. I remember being in the spot all you 2012ers are in right now. Excited, nervous, (wishing you were in better shape :))… whatever it is, we’ve been there! But the good thing is, to me it really seems like just yesterday that I was looking forward to inprocessing at the Academy. This year has flown by so incredibly fast, and it will be the same for you. So if there’s one thing I could advise you all on, it’s to soak up every moment and try to appreciate it, whatever place you find yourself in. You’ll only be a basic once, and the same goes for 4 degree year. Some lessons I’ve learned, looking back on this last year that I hope you can take with you into the journey ahead…</p>

<p>-It’s all about TEAMWORK. Learn to care about your classmates more than you care about your own pain. NEVER try to look better than one of your teammates.</p>

<p>-If you have a problem with someone, address that issue with them in a direct but kind way. You’re not going to automatically get along with everyone that you meet, but complaining about someone behind their back or just not addressing something that needs to be addressed NEVER helps.</p>

<p>-Keep a positive attitude. Whining and complaining isn’t going to do anyone any good… It only has the potential to bring down the people around you.</p>

<p>-Stay calm. You will be put in stressful situations all throughout your cadet career, but getting impatient and testy with others (especially during basic) will not serve you well.</p>

<p>-Remember that nothing is about you. Find ways to be selfless and to serve your teammates in any way you can, not because you expect a favor in return or you expect to be praised for it… do so because you care about serving others more than serving yourself. Figure out what that looks like for you, whether it means putting someone else’s bed in SAMI or helping iron uniforms or staying up till 4 in the morning helping someone understand Calculus.</p>

<p>-NEVER forget why you came here.</p>

<p>Someone may have shared this information with me before I came, but if they did, I don’t remember… maybe it’s something that you have to learn for yourself. But hopefully this will help give you guys the right perspective going into the BEAST! :slight_smile: I’m confident that every single one of you has the potential to do wonderful here!</p>

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<p>thank you very much for that valubale advice redhead.</p>

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<p>Redhead,</p>

<p>You've obviously learned quite a lot over the coure of the past year. EXCELLENT ADVICE! Not just for making it through your 1st year at the academy, but more importantly, these are 6 things you ALL need to take to heart for your entire CAREER in the AF. </p>

<p>Do me a favor, Redhead. Print out your post. Keep a copy in your wallet with you at all times when you get into the active force. Keep a laminated copy in your desk, or in your locker, or on your cubby hole wall wherever your career takes you. Add to it the lessons you will learn about respect for others and leadership; you will be in charge of so many things, not the least of which will be 18 / 19 year olds just like you right now whom you will be in charge of and the example for everyday, in peace and in combat. Keep this close to your heart -- you're on the path to great things in the AF, and have made me proud with your wisdom and judgement.</p>

<p>All you others, take note. You may be working for redhead one day at this pace! Take her lessons to heart!</p>

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<p>Good luck on finals this week 2010 and 2011!</p>

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<p>Excellent advice.</p>

<p>Let me add, do not let your fears stop you. Along the way, you will probably encounter something you really don't want to do, but know you should. (Heights is the big thing for me) When you encounter something like this, force yourself to do it, and you will overcome part of your fear. I never saw myself climbing/flipping down a 42ft platform without a harness or jumping off a 10m platform into a pool, but it wasn't as hard as I thought...so, as Nike says, "just do it."</p>

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<p>thank you, you people. we've been so fortunate to have y'all encouraging us, teasing us, and helping us every step of the way. and we're not even there yet!</p>

<p>knowing how much effort you put forth, how much you must care about every one of our successes, means a lot.</p>

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<p>Amen to that raimius!</p>