Where does the story end?

by Kristin Cronic, USNA class of 2011

This four year journey ultimately ends for every midshipman, usually with a cover toss. But that’s not the end of the story.

Starting day one, that far off moment is pined for, counted down to, and used as a beacon to get through the rough parts.

It feels so far away on that first day. It feels so far away at many points in the process. Speaking for myself, it felt far away even second semester firstie year, and when it finally did come, it almost caught me by surprise.

I’ve thought about the ending to this story so many times. As a painter very interested in exploring the entire experience (to the point of writing a book about it!), it’s a natural question.

It was not until my five year reunion in 2016 that I finally found an answer that felt right.

Just One Day, 9”x12” oil painting by Kristin Cronic

The end of the experience is not the cover toss. It's coming back.

It’s coming back again and again and again- each time with a slightly different perspective and, *dare I say it*, appreciation, for the experience.

The act of coming back to it is one of the most important steps in your USNA story, whether you are a grad or a loved one of a someone who has been through the process.

no really, I mean this for loved ones too.

If you are a loved one watching the process from afar, you're witnessing the transformation of someone, likely navigating your own version of the change. It’s a lot for everyone!

It takes time.

As a grad myself, it took me four years to feel more excitement than angst when I considered going back (and that was knowing I wanted to come back and paint the experience one day). I think this is normal, and from what people tell me, it can take much longer (hello, any 25 year+ grads out there?)