Virginia Military Institute - Bomb Yearbook (Lexington, VA)

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one can see the difference. After the Christmas break the rat returns not knowing what to expect, and by this point, not really caring. His thoughts, and energy are channeled towards breakout. Once the rats break out of the ratline they are considered to be cadets and are treated accordingly. During the first year all a rat has to look forward to is Breakout. After seeing his dykes leave, a rat now realizes that he is on his own and the third class year is quickly approaching Coming back after a seemingly short summer, the new third classman must accept new responsi- bilities. Some may be corporals and others choose the road of private. The major change in the third class year is that a cadet must learn to organize his time. This year is usually a traumatic change from rat year and many fall by the wayside due to grades. Hence the third class year is often called the academic ratline. At the end of the third class year there is not much to look forward to unless one attends camp or goes on second class cruise. At this point the cadet is half way to becoming the VMl man. Another memory filled year has passed and the cadet now looks forward Ring Figure and life as a second classman. Everything during the first semes- ter is geared towards the big weekend. Romanc- ing the Stone comes and goes and the second must now think about the academics that lay ahead. The major changes during the junior year and the new and greater responsibilies that the cadet has brings one more respect in the Corps. The second classmen are often leaders of clubs, organizations, and outfits within the corps. This year also prepares one for the trials that the first class year will bring. With the advent of his senior year the cadet now realizes that he runs barracks. When parent ' s week- end arrives, the mothers of the one half that have survived are justifiably proud. She now sees that To Fall Introduction 5

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The Man VMI Molds Upon encountering VMI for the first time a young man is overwhelmed by the difference between what college is and what he perceived it to be. When a mother leaves her little boy at the gate of Mother 1 she is leaving her son in good hands or so she thinks. Throughout the year she invisions her sons ' fresheman year. He grows, matures, and becomes the model cadet. Soon she receives her sons ' first letter. He complains about the food and the treatment he gets as a rat. Mother quickly writes back sending food, love, kisses, and reassurances knowing that things are not nearly as bad as he makes them out to be. A new Cadet arrives in the hot months of summer and is quickly indoctrinated into the VMI system. The young man just out of high school must learn about the Honor Code, the military system, and must take part in the physical activities of the ratline. By the end of the first month here he is familiar with the VMI system. Parents ' Weekend roles around in Octo- ber, and is a very big occassion for Rats and Parents alike. Parents quickly notice the big change in their sons ' personal- ity. Gone are the timid mannerisms of high school, there is a sureness to his voice and movements. He becomes increasing- ly aware, with each praise he recieves from his parents, that VMI is changing him. His mother notices the change in pos- ture, and the gain in strength. Maybe things are not as bad as her son describes them(?) She hopes not, but is proud of her sons accomplishments, and the increase in selfconfidence that her son displays, and is the hallmark of the VMI man. When Thanksgiving arrives, the rat goes home and every- From Summer 4 Introduction

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model cadet she once invisioned. In the final year as a cadet, the rat system once again becomes an important part of cadet life. It is the first class that will set the example and encourage the rats along the straight and narrow path that will get him through VMI. First class year does not end too soon and graduation is the most important thing that will happen to a cadet. When the day comes, the happiness in the faces of parents, girlfriends, and family is easy to see. If one was to take pictures of the rat and the now graduat- ing first classman it is easy to see a great difference. The change that has occurred over the four years is remarkable. Standing before his parents and loved ones is the VMI Man. This man has proven that he can withstand strains and pres- sures the average college student does not encounter. This man has also proven himself to be honorable and has passed the main test at VMI, which is to be whatever one resolves to be. As he filters out into the life after VMI many things will be expected of the VMI man, as well they should be. It is this man that will accomplish not only those tasks asked of him, but many more. Thus, the tradition and excellence of VMI will be carried on, through this, the newest VMI Man. Through Winter 6 Introduction