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Different Lines Of Tables Across A Center Platform

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uld view the many lines of tables stretching in three directions to converge at a center platform close to where I was standing. That platform was where the announcements and prayer were going to be given. Behind the central platform, there was a giant door, through which all the midshipmen would enter after formation outside. At exactly noon, the midshipmen started to stream into King Hall through that door. I observed a lot of social activity when they entered. First off, what struck me is that the difference in classes was immediately distinguishable. It was not simply by the midshipman’s variance of insignia, but there was also a dramatic difference in mood. The upperclassmen had insignia on their collars, while the freshmen (plebes) …show more content…

I was also interested in the Naval Academy as it is in my college list. In this particular situation that I was observing, the upperclassman asked a question, and the midshipman responded nervously with his answer. I continued to watch, anticipating that the plebe would slip up on something he had to memorize. I waited and waited, but nothing happened. The plebe was having a normal conversation with the senior. I was tremendously surprised at this. Ever since I had gone to the Naval Academy youth swim club (I started when I was six), I had asked questions and had heard my dad’s stories about the Naval Academy. I had heard about the ways the upperclassmen tended to break the freshmen down as individuals and build them back up as a team. I understand that this discovery may seem anticlimactic to others, but to me it was huge shock! As I looked around, I discovered that most, if not all, upperclassmen were cordial to the plebes at their table. When the meal ended at 12:30, I met with the officer in charge of King Hall, thanking him for allowing me access to the mess hall. Afterwards, I left the Naval Academy, feeling content. I had observed multiple upperclassmen’s and plebes’ social interactions, and,

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