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Reaching the closing of the academic year
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Posted on Jun 09 2005
To Pete A Tenorio:
Greetings and Hafa Dai! Graduation is approaching, and I am excited. I cannot wait to visit the islands once more before entering the Naval Academy, though I have been discouraged after finding that I would be losing an exceptional roommate and friend of mine next year. He is from American Samoa, and I regret that we could not be entering the Academy together next year. He was the closest thing from the islands who made me feel like I was at home.
As an update, I will give a review of what has happened so far. On the 3rd of February, we went as a battalion to visit New York. We watched the play Fiddler on the Roof before reading Shakespeare’s Henry IV and visiting the Intrepid for a little more understanding on the history of the Navy. Ground zero was also part of the trip to remind the battalion the purpose they serve in this country. More importantly, it was a time for the battalion to refresh our minds before entering the peak of the academic year. On the 15th of April, we went as a battalion for paintballing as part of our military instruction. In the midst of chaos from crossfires, we were challenged to stand up and lead our fire teams into victory. The whole day was spent toward building teamwork and applying the leadership skills we have learned thus far.
Our platoon has kept us with the reputation of being labeled the “Color Platoon” after another competition between platoons in the fields of marching capability, military discipline, physical capabilities, and academic capabilities. We are determined to keep up with our reputation for the next competition. The academic year is coming to a close, and we are currently on our final two weeks before the finals. I have been doing well so far. At the end of marking period two, i have been appointed as squad leader, attained the class rank of 3 of 300, and have entered the Superintendant’s List for the second time. Being a squad leader is a great experience. Everyday is a new challenge and opportunity to learn more about being a leader first hand.
Jun Vicente Chong
Naval Academy Preparatory School
Newport, RI 02841
