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(Choosing the Coast Guard Academy, The Cadet Experience, Class of 2015) Permanent link All Posts

I can't believe it’s already been seven months since I reported in. These months have been the longest fast months of my entire life. This makes no sense, but once you come here you will understand. I have to say, though, that I was not ready for break to be over. I got home, it felt like I was there forever, but on the last day it was like I had just gotten there. The only differences when I got back were that I was used to a different time zone and well rested.

Winter leave was my first time going home since R-Day. It was weird being in the civilian world for so long. One funny thing I noticed was that once you leave Chase, you realize what a sterile environment you are in. Everything outside of Chase seems super dirty, and then when you return you feel like Chase is so sterile. It’s really weird. Anyway, over break I did a lot of sleeping, hiking, snowboarding and enjoying friends/family time. Things definitely felt different though.

Don’t get me wrong, going home was exciting, but hanging out with some of my old friends wasn’t the same. It goes to show how much this place puts your past relationships into perspective. Anyone that is a threat to you staying here you suddenly have no desire to be around. I guess this is just part of growing up and moving on. Either way I only have 3-4 more months till I’m a 3/c!

More about Nicole.

Posted by Leann Strickland at 2/17/2012 8:57 AM