So I’ve been out of the Corps of Cadets for almost a solid month, grew a beard, shaved it off and I’ve gotten used to adjusting to a lot of things. Still there are a few things that I still have some getting used to, like for instance suddenly not having to do mandatory PT and all that goes with that, so I have to find new ways to get some exercise in. There’s one of the negatives about being out of the Corps, but that’s something that can easily be fixed, and I already do get a daily workout in by literally walking from my apartment to my classes, which is on the other side of a hill. I know it’s about a mile one way, but still saves on gas and the like. With that in mind, I’ll just move it onto something else like my room.

It’s totally fragged by the way, but I can probably have it cleaned up in less than five minutes if I just take care of my laundry, but still not having that constant reminder that you can suddenly have your time wasted because you had one sock in your laundry bag alleviates so much stress. Not changing clothes up to three to four times a day, depending on what’s happening on campus that day, I’m back to doing laundry every week and a half or so. Which in turn leads to me having more free time because I’m not stuck doing laundry and homework at the same time. This, of course, means I’m taking advantage of that free time in several ways.

World domination, I'm up for that

Work-wise, I can get more hours because I don’t have to stay at school one weekend a month increasing my paycheck by a hundred bucks a month. Of course most of that money goes to rent and food both of which are necessary evils, I suppose (not really, I love cooking). Then there’s my social life. I’m no frat boy, and I guess that good and all if you’re into that lifestyle, but I have never had this much of a social life in my life (I know, ironic that I’m writing this and not going out with someone). The lack of a bedtime kind of helps, but I’m still kind of making myself have one because I still have to be somewhat responsible.

Even so, in spite of all these things, there’s still an emotional side to having left something you did for four or five years. I mean, I’m young, so for some people reading, five years is a drop in the bucket, but that’s a large chunk of my lived life right now. Most people I know that got out of the corps did it after their first year or so. I was in it the whole time, and I'm still working on my degree (changing majors a year into college does that to ya). So there is an emotional aspect to the whole thing. Would I say it’s bittersweet, it's weird doing something for so long and then being out and still seeing your friends that are still in it while you’re going to class. The weirdest thing of all is how informal it’s all become, no rank structure, no formalities -- it’s become quite relaxed and I, for one, enjoy it.