Grambling State University - Tiger Yearbook (Grambling, LA)

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It’s chow time! These field rations really hit the spot. A Tiger moves out. Photos by ANTHONY MOORE When the going gets tough, the tough ... Tiger Life 329

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Cadets Train In Alexandria FTE: It’s No Picnic Story by ANTHONY MOORE | | The path to becoming an Army officer is indeed not an easy one. This was made readily apparent to Grambling Army ROTC cadets during the weekend of March 14-16. They participated in the annual All-Louisiana FTX (Field Training Exercise), This activity, which was held at Camp Beauregard in Alexandria, was the second that they participated in during the 1985-86 school year. Some 200 cadets from universities all over Louisiana and Texas were in attendance. For all purposes and intents, this exercise was designed to reinforce their leadership skills in preparation for a six- week advanced camp to begin in June at Ft. Riley, Kan. Military Science III cadets initiated training in small unit tactics, land navigation and physical training. Cadets were faced with numerous obstacles that might present them- selves in combat. Both male and female cadets were given the opportuni- ty to lead an actual eleven-man squad. “I was quite impressed with our performance,” said Anthony Everett, a junior from El Dorado, Ark. “Not only was this exercise physically demanding, but it tested our ability to handle mental stress, as well,’’ he added. Orlando Clark, a senior MSIV cadet from Little Rock, Ark., remarked, “‘We’ve earned our rights this weekend to be called lieutenants in the United States Army.” 328 Tiger Life

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330 Tiger Life sj Brenda and Miranda walk to class. Willie the HI gets a lift. SAA” Challenging: How would you like to attend school on a full-time basis, change diapers, ‘‘pottie train’ a child, cook, pay bills, stay at home most of the time, study beside a small child and be a parent without the benefit of a spouse? So you say the answer is no. Well, that’s not the case with several Gramblinites who have adjusted to the unique world of single parenthood. Three GSU students were interviewed on the subject and each had a different story to tell. =| Brenda Ann Burton, an early childhood education major, is currently raising her two-year-old daughter Miranda and attend- ing classes full-time. From 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Brenda goes to school while Miranda stays at Mount Olive Day Care. ‘My mother in Hammond could keep her while I’m in school, but I prefer for her to be with me,” the 24-year-old Gramblinite noted. Of course, there is never a dull moment with a child around. “There is always something to do like studying, cooking or | changing diapers,”’ the junior admitted. Although her friends sometimes babysit for her, Brenda says her social life has definitely changed. “I just don’t have much time anymore.” Occasionally, Miranda attends classes with her mother. “‘She’s definitely the center of attraction,’ Ms. Burton revealed. Apparently most students spend more time playing with Miranda than they do listening to the lecturer. “She talks to everyone in class,” said the Hammond native with a smile. The life of a single parent is definitely a challenge. “You have to take on a lot of responsibility and learn to live on your own,” she revealed. One thing that disturbs Brenda is the situation with Miranda’s father. “He attends school and doesn’t help out,” she said. In summary, Ms. Burton remarked, “Since I had the baby, I’ve hit the books more and become more serious. I only wish I had done that earlier.” ’ Not all single parents are females. Willie World Sampson II is charged with the responsibility of raising his two and-a-half-year- . old son Willie the III. -“T helped bring this offspring into the world, and now I must take care of him. It’s my duty,” related the electronics major. He and the child’s mother, who lives in New Orleans, have a working arrangement concerning the care of Willie the III. She keeps him about a month-and-a-half and then I do the same, he explained. During the spring semester Willie and his child were frequently seen either going to or in class. “Everywhere I go he goes. If he can’t go, then I can’t,” related Willie, who also emphasized his social life was severely cramped because of his responsibilities. But he said if he had to do it all over again, he wouldn’t change anything. His most difficult time with Willie the III was during the child’s first year. “That was when I had to change diapers and prepare milk.” Learning how to take care of a child definitely matured Willie. “Now I’m spending time with someone I really care for — and this keeps me off the streets,” he related. Willie said he didn’t have trouble studying with a child near-