Orientation Day

Yesterday was the day before the big day! K, my parents and I headed down to the academy for the new cadet orientation, and the whole day felt unreal. Just driving onto academy grounds was like a crazy out of body experience. As we walked the path to the gym, we occasionally passed a few senior cadets standing at attention who would greet us with "good morning ladies, good morning
gentlemen." Their boots seemed so shiny, uniforms pressed so perfectly, and in that moment I couldn't believe that in three short months, K will be a senior cadet like them, welcoming his junior class to their orientation. We entered the gym where the program was held, found seats, and anxiously waited...along with 110 other eager cadets and their families. The orientation was very informative and offered perspectives from the academy staff, senior cadets, and even a wife of a CHP officer.

As the head honcho of the staff office excused us for a break with snacks and refreshments he made it clear that the incoming cadets were not allowed to have any, only the families. He then instructed all cadets to line up single file in the back of the gym.  A sea of bald heads stood, scrambling for their papers, and made their way to the back where they lined up and were led out the side exit. My parents and I grabbed some coffee and a cookie, not knowing at the time that the cadets were getting their first taste of academy life one building over in the cafeteria. About thirty minutes or so later, they returned to the gym and K informed us that it was intense. At first it was all good, the senior cadets talked to them for a bit and answered their questions. But all of a sudden, the seniors cleared out and in came the very vocal academy drill sergeants staff. Apparently guys got chewed out for not dressing properly (have I mentioned that you should wear a suit to everything?), making eye contact with the staff, being 'overweight,' staring down at the table instead of dead ahead, and one cadet got majorly ripped into for smiling. K managed to avoid any direct interaction but he said it was crazy! In a way we think it was a good thing, though, because it gave the cadets a heads up for what would be coming the next day.

After the break for the families and the beat down for the cadets, we finished up the presentation and were escorted in groups on a tour of the academy. We got to see the tiny dorms that K will be living in for the next 27 weeks as well as the classroom, staff office, cafeteria, and the PX store. K was able to talk with one of the seniors as we walked around which was really helpful and gave him some peace of mind. After the tour we took some pictures and then headed to Midtown for some lunch. K and I had to drive back to my parents house to grab some papers he needed, but after that we drove to our hotel right across the street from the academy. My parents' house is only about 25 minutes from the academy which is such a blessing since I will be living with them while K is there and he can easily stay with me each weekend. We thought it best to stay at a hotel nearby the night before so there was no chance of showing up late on day one!

More updates to come! Please pray for us (especially K) if you are keeping track of our story--we definitely need it during this crazy season.

Blessings,
D