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of happy memories (which you probably won't realize until many years from now!) Have your folks start a scrapbook & send the good pictures home to be put in it for safekeeping. Write names on the back, so you remember them years from now! Scratch your name on the camera for ID!

PHOTOS-
Take several photographs of your family, pets, and/or loved ones with you. It is encouraged to put them on your desk blotter. It helps during those inevitable moments of homesickness and reminds you of the real world beyond the Yard. If you have a girl-friend/boyfriend, have them read this booklet, so they know what to expect from you, especially during Plebe Summer. If they don't understand, it will be rough!


INDENTIFICATION-
Take your Social Security Card if you have it, or know the number. You'll need it for starting pay records.


PHONE CALLS-
Have your parent(s) either get a personal toll-free phone number for the home phone (so you can call free), get you a long distance phone card, or buy you some pre-paid long distance phone cards so you can call without having to stuff change into the phone! Keep that card secure, however - Don't ever loan it out! There have been incidents where 'ole Dad got billed for dozens of other Mids' calls!! Treat it like any other credit card.


MEDICATION-
If you take any prescription medication, bring it along in a pharmacy-labeled bottle and be ready to discuss the need with the medical staff at the Academy. The Navy is your doctor now!


FROM THE MIDSHIPMEN-
At I-Day, you will be issued everything you can think of from Band-Aids to shampoo. However, if you have a favorite soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, etc. you might pack it. Extra mag flashlight batteries are often useful. Take only the civilian clothes you're wearing for now (a short-sleeved shirt, shorts or slacks, athletic shoes!). Bring 6-8 extra white, round neck T-shirts, white crew socks and jockey-style undershorts with you. You'll frequently want to change into clean, dry underwear! One Mid suggested bringing several plastic hangers, to hang your sweaty physical fitness attire on. Put everything into a collapsible nylon bag - no suitcases. Remember: If you take a lot of junk, YOU be the one lugging it around. If you need an item, your parents can send it or bring, if they come to Plebe Parents Weekend.


COPING-
Even when you can't find a rationale for what's happening, there is one, even if you don't recognize it! You may think the upperclassmen are loud-& obnoxious, but the mental pressure is the way you learn how to remain calm & cool in the midst of chaos! Someday, you may be directing damage control efforts to save a ship from sinking and you'll need that ability to be cool under pressure, in the midst of chaos!

When Plebes are given multiple tasks, with too little time to accomplish them, often it's a way of teaching you to prioritize - decide which task is most important to do first, and what can be left undone.

HUMOR-
A sense of humor is a definite asset - don't lose yours! Learn to manage time, plan ahead, & don't let everything catch up with you at once. Take care of today, today and plan for tomorrow. Forget yesterday; it's history! Just keep telling yourself, "I made it through today. I can hang in there one more day". If you keep the goal in sight, you will not notice the obstacles.

USNA CHAPLINS-
If it all starts to get to you, talk to someone or ask to see a Chaplain. USNA Chaplains know the score and can help you keep your perspective! Attend religious services regularly! Many Plebes have found their anchor of hope & peace during Plebe sum

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