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Winter Leave Was A Great Thing

(The Cadet Experience, Class of 2015) Permanent link All Posts

Winter leave is the first time you really get to leave the Academy for an extended period of time. I got to go home and enjoy a full three weeks of doing absolutely nothing. To go from all the military, academic, and athletic requirements to sleeping till 2 p.m., wearing normal clothes, and driving places, is a really good feeling. In the period I was home “doing nothing,” I managed to find time to hang out with old friends, go to NYC, and obviously spend time with family. I’m not sure whom I spent more time with, my family or my friends, but either way, it was good to see them.

I really appreciate small things that I didn’t necessarily think about or appreciate before coming to the Academy, like being able to make my own breakfast, and having a room to myself (not saying I don’t love my roommates). I was also able to go play hockey at our ice rink a few times, which was fun. It was at Navy and there was also a gym so that allowed me to stay in shape somewhat.

The part that nobody likes about winter leave is coming back, but it was not as bad as I expected it to be. I came back excited to see my friends at the Academy and three weeks was enough time to let me relax before classes. All in all, winter leave was a great thing, and something I needed, but now I’m ready to start the work again.

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Posted by Leann Strickland at 2/16/2012 3:45 PM