"Leaders are made, they are not born;
And they are made just like anything
else has ever been made in this country- by hard work.
And that's the price that we all have to pay to achieve goal,
or any other goal in life." -Vince Lombardi-

Welcome to the ranks of Midshipmen and Midshipman parents! Each appointee should be very proud of his/her outstanding achievement! Each parent should feel extremely proud of this special accomplishment, which is a visible outgrowth of the qualities you've nurtured in your son or daughter.

The next four years will be very challenging for you future Mids and your parents! It's hard for most of us parents to even imagine the difficult challenge of being a Plebe. Plebes have been top athletes, class officers, and honor students, and when they get that elusive appointment letter they suddenly think they're "Tom Cruise" headed for "Top Gun." But.... Plebes are quickly shown that the past has no relevance. They face long hours, intense pressure, frequent criticism and, perhaps for the first time, failure. From that experience, the Academy learns about the Plebe and the Plebe learns about himself or herself. Plebes quickly find that the limits they've set for themselves are artificial and they're capable of accomplishing what seems to be the impossible. They find they can survive adversities and grow from them!

The first 6 weeks will severely test each Plebe's courage, stamina, morale and desire. Each has the ability to survive the 4th Class (Plebe) Summer, but some don't make it. If a Plebe doesn't really want to be there, it's discovered during those first few days! Some Plebes find Academy life isn't for them and decide they don't wish to go on. It's important for them (and their parents) to understand that there's no dishonor in leaving. The rigors of military life and discipline aren't for everyone. Each young man & woman must really WANT to be there, or the incentive to continue won't be there. Mids and parent(s) all need to remember that just to have been selected to attend is an honor that only a few high school students in the entire United States attain! Parental support will be needed if a Plebe decides to quit. It's not a sunny moment.

The Navy would not have invited you if they didn't think you could make it. Plebes should go with a positive attitude and PLAN ON STAYING AT LEAST ONE SEMESTER, no matter what! Then, if a Plebe decides to separate, he/she can hold their head high and say "I stuck it out for a semester, but it just wasn't my thing," AND the academic credits earned are transferable to any accredited college or university!

Parents play an important role during the Academy years, especially during the first (so-called "4th class") year. The new surroundings, absence from home (often for the first time) & the pressures all require very special understanding, motivation, & support, not to mention awesome long distance phone bills! During those "calls from Hell," parents can think that their "child" is being abused because the true facts often get distorted or magnified as they pass from tired minds across phone lines and mail

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