(Continued from page 8)

mer was to keep in touch with their higher power!

SPONSOR FAMILY-
Be sure to sign up for a Sponsor Family. Interested local civilians from Annapolis will provide you with a "home away from home" & become an important part of your life there - a refuge from the strict military environment. If you don't like the family you get (rare!); you can request a change. Give your Sponsor family's name, address, and phone number to your parent(s), so they can touch base. Your Sponsor Family can keep in touch with your folks, and often are the friends you need when you are in need. Sponsors may be the people that get you to and from the airport when you go home, etc. Sponsor Parents' names and phone numbers are given at the end of Plebe summer. Parents' Weekend is a good time to go with your Plebe to meet his/her Sponsor Family. You can keep things at a sponsor's house that you can't keep at the academy (civilian clothes, etc.)

KEEPING UP WITH THE NEWS-
The Academy will have a newspaper delivered to your room, so you can answer upperclassman questions on the news - most Mids get the "Washington Post", or
Naval Academy Parents' Club of North Texas, the "Baltimore Sun." Learn the big news each day or expect to get fried! You're also expected to know the meal menus, the Plan of the Day (a daily sheet put out at. each military facility with information you need to know), and sports scores. Sometimes you need to tell a joke for the day, so learn to read the newspaper for information as well as details.

COURSE VALIDATION
You'll be given the opportunity to validate certain courses for advanced standing, which will give you time later in the curriculum for electives. Take the exam even if you feel you only have a slight chance! It can't hurt you. One Mid suggested you bring along books & notes to review if you plan to take validation tests. You're given blocks of time to study for the tests.


INTEGRETY & VALUES
It shouldn't be necessary to say, but it is, that the Navy has put a great emphasis on honesty, integrity and values. Right now, there's "zero" repeat, ZERO- tolerance for cheating, drug use, stealing, breaking rules, drinking and driving, etc. Don't throw away this chance of a lifetime to do something dumb. It is a great moment of sadness when a Mid is dishonored and dismissed from the Academy. You have a potential for greatness - guard it jealously!


Females at the Academy are Midshipmen too, and undergo the same rigorous training as males. Everything written above applies to both males and females. For the females, however there are some unique details to consider, so we have some unique advice.

 
          For female Plebes ---- from female Plebes
It helps you remember that you don't have to be masculine to be a Mid, but after Plebe Summer is over you'll have to learn how to be both a woman & a Mid, and when to be which! If you wanted true equality, you have it at the USNA!


COSMETICS-
Don't wear makeup on I-Day! You'll just call attention to yourself & you DON'T want attention! If you have some basic favorite makeup and perfume you want to use after the summer is over, put it in a box and have your parents bring it on Parents Weekend. If you use lotion, bring some - it's not issued! Bring clear nail polish (for repairing tom nylons & use on nails!).



JEWELRY
Don't bring or wear any expensive or delicate jewelry, or any necklaces or bracelets. You're only allowed to wear 6mm plain, gold ball pierced earrings, and no more than two simple rings. You

(Continued on page 10)