Why the USNA Experience Matters (Three Reasons)

by Kristin Cronic, USNA class of 2011

Why does the U.S. Naval Academy experience matter so much? What on earth would compel people to return to it, be it recreationally, vocationally, or even creatively (hi!).

King Hall, 9”x12” oil painting of Naval Academy midshipmen at meal

It’s just college, right? I mean, according to many, it is definitely n*ot college, but you know what I mean. Four years, 150+ credit hours, countless formations and miles run, a few broken rules…

Three reasons why this experience matters

It’s life changing.
For better or for worse, the process every midshipman experiences is transformative. It has to be.
Coinciding with an already transformative season of life, the Naval Academy “welcomes” (relative term) a barely legal adult with a fresh haircut. Fast forward four years, and a commissioned officer in the Navy or Marine Corps emerges. Also with a fresh haircut.
This transformation does not end at the tossing of covers. It’s a change that likely will, for better or for worse, carry over into adulthood. The skills, inclinations to change clothing very quickly, reckonings, friendships forged by fire, the failures and the triumphs, will inform a life decades after the four years by the bay are complete.
It’s connecting.

Generations of midshipmen have experienced this process. From all walks of life, through peace and war. Everyone who has walked the halls can share a unique perspective on these rituals. How many other communities have such a strong shared experience tying them together?
(Side note: There’s a ton of possibility for empathy in that!)

Scroll to the bottom for some guiding questions on this topic!

Ring Dance is one of those traditions experienced by decades of grads.

3. It’s your story!

Surprise! It is important because it’s yours. Your experience, your perspective, and your stories matter. Every unique person brings new ideas to this family of people, and we need each and every one!

REFLECT:

If you are a grad, current midshipman, or loved one, reflect on a moment that felt transformative in a positive way. What made it challenging? What did you learn? Who was with you?
Did you become friends with anyone whose perspective or walk of life was vastly different than your own? Make a list of these people!

CONNECT:

Reach out to someone who is on that list and let them know you are thinking of them.

CREATE:

With your medium of choice, make a piece (or play a song or write a poem) that is inspired by a transformational moment or person from your USNA experience.
Examples of creative mediums, the sky’s the limit: Painting, drawing, creative writing, poetry, songwriting, sewing, knitting, crocheting, woodworking, music, comedy, cooking…. anything, really!