A Company Report
By Bar Jack Niceforo – We can blame COVID for too much video game time, not exercising, not keeping up on chores, poor grades, and, well pretty much everything, but the sobering reality is that it was not COVID’s fault for any of our own neglect, it was us.
I arrived at RLA in November of 2022. Looking back now, I am glad my parents realized that I was slipping academically, behaviourally and in pretty much in any way possible, using that convenient crutch of COVID to blame for all of my new neglect and wanting to correct that as soon as possible.
November 23, 2022 was my first day at RLA. What a change!
My traditional excuses that worked at my previous school were now ineffective. I had to wait at least three weeks before talking to my parents. I couldn’t watch TV on Fridays, I had mandatory study time, I couldn’t use the bathroom three times a class to miss lessons, I had to iron uniforms and fold underwear…I was a prisoner!
The first three weeks were really difficult for me. I tried to protest getting my hair cut, it took me months to grow it that long. That didn’t work either. I was defeated. Nothing I valued, I had anymore. I had nothing, nothing but time to think.
When I wasn’t upset the first few weeks about losing my identity, I began to notice that certain Cadets that had jobs were rewarded for fulfilling responsibilities.
These House IC’s were like small group leaders, passing on information and showing others how to roll socks, manage time better and where to label pants. They were a wealth of Academy knowledge if you just chose to access them. If you were nice to them, they went out of their way to help you.
By week three, I wanted to go to campfires, movies, and popcorn on Fridays.
My House IC, taught me well, he told me that if I tried my best on my kit and house job, he would tell the staff and NCO’s that I was working hard to earn my Cadet…aka campfires and Friday night movies and popcorn. He didn’t deceive me, even though I thought he may.
Shortly after my first four weeks, I had figured out that being at campfires and movies was better than mandatory study halls.
After weeks of being homesick, and learning how to earn my first promotion, I was promoted to Cadet and had my first leave shortly after.
I am extremely grateful for having those first four to five difficult weeks, as I proved to myself that I could adapt, refocus, and achieve, especially when I did not want to. I did not think I was capable of that.
I also realized I did not achieve that promotion on my own. My House IC was a huge help and a huge reason for me earning that promotion.
Two weeks ago, I just completed teaching lessons on a recruit course. Now I am a House IC in the barracks and have recognized that the new recruits in my House are just like how I was months ago. It is now my turn to teach them and help them through their first 4-5 difficult weeks.
It is more difficult instructing and teaching others than I thought, I am just glad that my House IC is now my Platoon IC and I can still lean on him for support.
