We also had our last international panel today. I'm glad they do these, it's very interesting to hear about the international agencies and how they do things. I'm kinda bummed we are done with them.
I didn't really post much last night except for pictures, but yesterday was our Winged Monkey Assault challenge! It was awesome weather out (75 or so when we were out there, but I think it broke 80 later). Basically you worked your tail off doing anything you wanted from bands, to lunges, to weights/kettle-bells etc. You just run from one station to the next for 30 minutes-no big deal! Like all of the challenges, you work as hard as you want, don't feel intimidated by the physical stuff here, you'll be fine.
So some advice if you are coming here:
Clothes-I feel like there is enough room to unpack your stuff. You can store your bags under your mattress if you didn't drive here. Bring clothes to wear on the weekends, for all weather types! You are fine to bring more then you need, you just leave some stuff in your car if needed. Make sure you bring workout clothes for the weather, you can wear whatever you need to keep you warm under your FBI gear. I suggest a pair of tights/long under wear for cold weather. Don't forget a hat/gloves if you are sensitive to cold.
Bring a car. Being stuck or at the mercy of your classmates to go places is annoying.
You have to be in uniform M-F 7:30am-5pm (unless you are leaving). Some people really hate this, it doesn't bother me much. For instance, you have PT first thing in the morning, you have to wear you uniform first to get to the locker room, then you change there into your PT gear. Same goes for the end of the day, your PT might be over at 4:30, but you need to change back into your uniform if you leave the gym area before 5. Just stay and stretch out or something.
Patio area off of the atrium is open for hanging out after hours. Make sure you clean up after yourself. You can bring your own beer/cigars etc. out there, just not in your room. As the weather has gotten nicer, we are starting to take advantage of this more. It's nice to unwind out there a bit.
Laundry-best time to get it done is at 5 am! I put a load in, hit the pool, put the load in the dryer, go eat, grab it and fold it all before class. After school it gets busy! Some people also go and do it over lunch. Another secret, the other dorms (Washington and Jefferson) also have laundry in them, use them! The washer machines here are HE, make sure you leave the front loading ones open to avoid any mildew smells.
Classwork-get organized and knock out stuff as much as you can. Some instructors will wait to give assignments till the end, they don't want you checking out with a couple of weeks to go! Either way, get your papers done, turn them in early if you can, it makes life easier at the end. I literally have all my major work done as of now, I am just waiting on presentations and some other small stuff. It feels good!
There are 2 stores here. The FBI store and the NA Store. They have some similar items for the NA students. I think the FBI store is cheaper! But the NA Store has some cooler stuff.
That's enough for now, I will try and post some more advice in a week or two.
Steps 8986 = 3.99 miles. Yesterday was 15000 steps! We had time after the challenge so a few of us hit the local outlet mall to enjoy the weather and get off base for a bit.
That’s the cafeteria on the swings floor. Library is behind me. Also the FBI store is in here along with linen exchange and post office. Dorms are to the left and right.
Left-Madison dorm where NA students stay.
Challenge day equipment. Fieldhouse to the left back ground
Our challenge photo-left side about 3 rows deep is me!
Me giving my presentation in Violent crime.
Better pic of the track and the field house-we work out in there sometimes too. I will try and get a pic of it-it's neat in there.
What would estimate that you have spent for the trips and gifts?
ReplyDeleteChris Adams
That's a tough question. NY Trip was $630. I've eaten out once a week or so and I haven't bought too many gifts. I have bought a few shirts and contributed to some charity things. I would suggest to budget 1200 or so if you plan on doing the NYC. 1500 if you do Philly. NYC is a must. I've heard the expression that this is the most expensive free school you will attend, I would say that's accurate. Just so you know, my department paid for all of my uniforms, a trip home, and my membership to the NAA. So those expenses are factored into my not so scientific estimates!
ReplyDeleteTypo last sentence-those expenses ARE NOT factored in...
DeleteThank you the info you provided will help. I plan on driving my POV there from Colorado. My department will pay for my uniforms but I will be covering everything else. I have budgeted $2500 for everything and after reading your post, feel good about that. Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteChris Adams