What is a Midshipman?
That's right - real insight into what we are actually like! If you're not from the Naval Academy, it can be difficult to understand what daily life is like for a midshipman. No we are not marching all day or playing with explosives, but we are just like every other college student. Sure, we may be doing things a little differently - since we are going to be Naval Officers some day - but we are not all that different from millennials across the nation.
In fact, after consuming dangerous amounts of coffee and on detrimental sleep patterns, we struggle through our classes quite similarly. On average, you can find the mid speed walking to a class on the other side of the yard, fighting the ever-present urge to fall asleep, and even questioning their existence sitting in a physics class when they are an English major.
Explaining the Academy can be especially tough for people who don't go here, so relating life back to a TV show loved by many is the obvious choice for comparison - "The Office!"
1. Midshipmen survive off of copious amounts of caffeine.
Seriously, any way we can get it into our systems is the right way. Mids crack open their energy drinks in class and drown out sleep deprivation in hot coffee. The ever popular King Hall brew can even double as a diuretic in times of need.
2. Mids are professional procrastinators.
We are exceptionally adept to the feeling of pure idiocy when starting the seven page paper due tomorrow. Not to mention, the ten minute pre-parade scramble to put together a presentable uniform - and find a rifle.
3. We all know that try-hard in PE class.
Midshipmen have required PE classes each semester vary from drowning in the pool, to figuring out how not to completely embarrass yourself in martial arts class - and there is always the one guy who tries a little too hard.
4. We have THE weirdest eating habits.
My time at the academy thus far has exposed me to countless mystery casseroles, various not-so-appetizing food combinations, and a plethora of sad vegetables.
5. There are two types of athletes at the Academy.
There are varsity athletes and intramural warriors. We both love what we do, and equally dread taking the PRT.
6. We are really good at pretending like we know what is going on.
There have been too many times that I get lost beyond return in a Calculus III class - seriously, when did math have more letters than numbers? You can often find me nodding my head and smiling in confusion in the back corner of the room.
7. It is best to ask forgiveness, than permission.
A well known saying at the Academy circling the ever-present question of "Could I get in trouble for this?" Everything has to go through the chain of command; tattoo-requests, weekend liberty, and permission to leave on break. When in doubt, play dumb.
8. Our diversity is hidden beneath uniforms.
Yeah we all look the same, and speed across the yard the same, and have the same tired look in class; but we are a diverse student-body composed of varsity athletes, academic geniuses, and endless extra curricular studs. Beneath the zero-fades and sock buns we are a truly unique cast of thousands.
9. Briefs on Briefs.
If I had a dollar for every lecture on alcohol misuse, SAPR training, or honor violations, I would be a very rich woman.
10. We are fueled by incentives.
To get people accomplish things at the academy, we often bribe each other to do stuff no one would otherwise volunteer for. For example, money in exchange for a late watch, or even ice cream after parade practices.
11. "Mando-fun" works its way into most situations.
There are a lot of boring lectures and mandatory events that are worked into our busy schedule. Thanks to our insane school spirit and creativity, we can make the most out of almost any situation.
12. Stress, stress, and more stress.
On dangerously low amounts of sleep, midshipmen have to balance rigorous academics, with athletics, and military obligations. Conveniently, any free time is smothered by formations, mandatory briefs, and required training.
13. We have an indescribable bond.
Whether it's in company, or brigade-wide, midshipmen know how to come together and support each other no matter the situation (good or bad.)
14. Midshipmen are NOT perfect.
Despite rumors or ideas misconstrued by outsiders, we are not perfect by any means. We fail, a lot. We have gotten this far because we know how to admit when we are wrong and learn from our mistakes.
