Mama Brye’s Advice to Plebes

My own children endured this talk as well as many others along the way.

1. Over 70,000 men and women have graduated from USNA - if they can do it you can do it.(by the way this is the same logic I used for labor - but that is another challenge, another time.)

2. If it were easy, it would not be the respected accomplishment that it is - expect to be physically and mentally uncomfortable - that is normal.

3. Do what they say, the way they tell you to do it. In the beginning you will get it wrong - that is normal

4. Look for ways to help your shipmates - this is not about you shining. You have had enough time to shine up until now - now it is about getting through it with your squad.

5. You will never get it all done right - you will learn how to do things quickly and to make do - so don't obsess about getting it perfect - it is a waste of energy.

6. Look for leadership you want to emulate - focus on what kind of leader you want to be instead of negative energy about who you dislike.

7. Understand that right now you don't have to understand, you just have to DO.

8. Don't say, "this is not how we do it in the fleet, the Corps, NAPS, JRROTC." You are not in any of those places anymore - you are at the Naval Academy participating in a time tested method of leadership training. It may not make sense to you when you are at the bottom rung of the ladder. The records of its graduates speak for themselves. Leaders are trained here.

9. Plebe Summer lasts for 45 days - you can anything for 45 days.

10. You will have moments when you want to quit - that is normal. At those times, remind yourself why you wanted to come - what is your goal. Write it on a piece of paper and bring it to Plebe Summer - bring it out when you need to. It may say F18 pilot, Seals, USMC, medical school. Remember the path to a wonderful future begins with Plebe Summer.

11. If your Cadre completed Plebe Summer - you can do it too.

Go Navy! Go Plebes!

Elaine Brye, Plebe Moderator

Eric 05, USMC Aviation Pensacola

Jordan 07/14 Honor BIO , Protestant Choir, First Set Regimental Honor Advisor

Katrina 09/4 Women's Glee Club, Summer Seminar

Winona, Ohio

NEONAP Past President, BGO