Have you been?

We visited Annapolis this week and toured the Naval Academy. It was fascinating. So much history, tradition and love of country. And the town is beautiful. Full of quaint shops, restaurants and beautiful old buildings.

I was particularly struck throughout the tour with my perspective as a parent of college age children, which is a college program for 4,400 college students. Top tier high school students (with the support of their congressman) may apply but only a small percentage will be accepted. Their college career will be rigorous, both academically and physically. Sixty-five percent of USNA students graduate with engineering degrees.

For the first six weeks of the program that starts on July 1, the Plebes, participate in an indoctrination program known as Plebe Summer. During this time, they are introduced to the basic requirements of the program and participate in intense physical and mental training. They march everywhere – but only on sidewalks without a curve. And of course, a full 90-degree turn is required at corners.

Plebes not permitted to have any contact with their families. No calls, no texts, no visits.

There is a beautiful chapel on campus that holds weekly services for different faiths. We were told that all Plebes attend services just because the building is air-conditioned and they can sit for an hour. Those services are open to the public. Sometimes, parents will attend just to be able to see their son or daughter from across the room, although with everyone in the same uniform it may be difficult to recognize even your own offspring. With two (practically) college age children, I really didn’t like that part.

All in all, it was really an interesting tour which ended with great ice cream right across from a beautiful harbor.