2 for 7
Filed Under (Uncategorized) by Jay on 23-08-2010
For those of you that avoid Facebook, here’s the latest in the life of our favorite midshipman:
Mark signed 2 for 7 papers this morning. What’s that mean? It means that he’s just committed himself to two more years at the Naval Academy and a minimum of five years in the US Navy. There’s no backing out now…
Here’s the crowning moment –
In the “old days”, the signing wasn’t a big deal. It was fully understood that if you showed up for your first class in your 2nd Class year (your Junior Year in a civilian college), then you were in. Period. Done deal.
If you had doubts, you didn’t go to class. The Academy wouldn’t pressure you, the Academy offered support and counseling, and generally speaking your friends helped you through the tough time. If you ultimately decided to go to class, your friends would loudly celebrate as they escorted you to the classroom. If you decided to opt out, they supported your decision and helped you pack your stuff to go home.
Today, mids sign. In a big room, under bright lights, with lots of folks watching. Then there’s the Celebratory Dinner. It’s a big affair, a big deal, and a big party. Mids only — don’t even think about attending or crashing.
And then back to regular midshipman life. Classes start tomorrow or Wednesday (I didn’t check), and “Hell-o Night” for Plebes just went down. Let the games begin…
Congratulations Mark!