So today we took the ASVAB. We get our results in a few weeks, So when I find out, I'll let you know. My brain numbed by that test it was soooo long!!! So I apologize for the crappy handwriting. We always had mentee training, I found out that I can go out with them to lunch after their training and they can bring me food :) Yay! Granted that that's not until September and I have to pay for it myself with my stipend but still! We did relays today while carrying a bar in our hands that weighted 30 lbs. It was a crazy good workout for arms. Woo! We weighed ourselves last night and i've lost 7 lbs. which is kinda nice, not gonna lie.
Love always,
Caitlin
Friday, August 17, 2012
7/31/12
I apologize for not writing last night. I didn't get to take my shower until after most of the females because I was out running with Staff Sergeant Cziarniak (running coach). I made the run team! We had to run two miles in under 19 minutes and from there he chose 2 females! Only 2! And I was one! I was so excited, there's 8 males and 2 females and we'll be running for 6 miles to 13 miles. We could be running against other schools but Sgt. Cziarniak didn't want to lose our identity as MYCA Cadets, we would have to wear Battle Creek Schools uniforms and stuff, so we'll be running at charity events as cadets. What made me really happy though is that Sgt. Jones (the one you met at Pre-challenge grad) told me last night that I was her most dependable Cadet, because I always carry her table, chair & trash can to her when we do medicine call and mail. haha Seh was jealous that I couldn't do it last night though because I was with Sgt. Cziarniak, but since I'm one of her favorites, I got out of like 50 push-ups. We get 10 push-ups each time we say "I" and I couldn't stop saying "I" when I was talk to her and so I went down to start doing them she goes "I don't care about that, just put my dang trash can back" :) She's awesome. And the best part is she's the Cadre assigned to my squad. I'm in 4th squad. Well I have homework to do so I'll talk to you later.
Love always,
Caitlin
One thing I forgot to mention earlier was that I was selected this morning to raise and lower the American flag before and after school, I feel all professional like :)
Love always,
Caitlin
One thing I forgot to mention earlier was that I was selected this morning to raise and lower the American flag before and after school, I feel all professional like :)
7/29/12
Dear Family,
So today we had chapel and it was just like Woodside only make-shift in the chow hall and no live band just music videos with lyrics. Then they laid out the road to Jesus and I don't think I've ever seen so many males my age cry, it was kind of touching in a way. On the weekends we have fun sports PT instead of normal push-ups and junk. Last week I can't remember if I told you or not but, the parade at Grayling sucked! It rained. The whole. Entire. Time! So we stood outside for two hours in our soaking wet grays going from parade rest, to attention, to present arms and back to parade rest. Then the Cadre had us run two miles back to the barracks in our soaking wet Grays. Awesome. Yeah, no :) But the trip overall was pretty nice. We had to ride the bus for an hour before we could change into dry clothes and I'm not gonna like, I felt pretty good walking around in public with my full-fledged uniform standing tall and looking good lol.
So today we had chapel and it was just like Woodside only make-shift in the chow hall and no live band just music videos with lyrics. Then they laid out the road to Jesus and I don't think I've ever seen so many males my age cry, it was kind of touching in a way. On the weekends we have fun sports PT instead of normal push-ups and junk. Last week I can't remember if I told you or not but, the parade at Grayling sucked! It rained. The whole. Entire. Time! So we stood outside for two hours in our soaking wet grays going from parade rest, to attention, to present arms and back to parade rest. Then the Cadre had us run two miles back to the barracks in our soaking wet Grays. Awesome. Yeah, no :) But the trip overall was pretty nice. We had to ride the bus for an hour before we could change into dry clothes and I'm not gonna like, I felt pretty good walking around in public with my full-fledged uniform standing tall and looking good lol.
7/25/12
Hey Everyone!
How are you? I just thought I'd send a quick note before I leave to go up north for a parade tomorrow. I got my boots last night and spent 3 hours today shining them! Woo! But we don't actually use our spit :) We use water because the salt in our spit turns our boots white... so yeah... We got our gray uniforms today and we get our berets tomorrow before we leave for Grayling. Mom, Dad, it was so nice to see you, I got your letter with the stamps today, thank you! I'll have to by my own stamps from the PX from now on because we also use them as a bargaining tool... I got my eyebrows done in exchange for a stamp lol, they look pretty good lol. And since I'm a Cadet non-rate now I can receive one picture. So mom, will you send me a nice family one we took in Orlando? I really miss you guys and I won't be able to write for a few days buy I'll write you again when I get back from the parade. School is easy so far, we took a test in science yesterday and I only got 3 wrong out of 40... I'm so awesome! aha. We are so busy its unbelievable! We no longer have to have our heads down on the buese and we might even have charter buses for tomorrow! This is truly a huge opportunity I'm so thankful!
Love ya,
Caitlin
PS Can't wait to see you in September Emma & Tyler
How are you? I just thought I'd send a quick note before I leave to go up north for a parade tomorrow. I got my boots last night and spent 3 hours today shining them! Woo! But we don't actually use our spit :) We use water because the salt in our spit turns our boots white... so yeah... We got our gray uniforms today and we get our berets tomorrow before we leave for Grayling. Mom, Dad, it was so nice to see you, I got your letter with the stamps today, thank you! I'll have to by my own stamps from the PX from now on because we also use them as a bargaining tool... I got my eyebrows done in exchange for a stamp lol, they look pretty good lol. And since I'm a Cadet non-rate now I can receive one picture. So mom, will you send me a nice family one we took in Orlando? I really miss you guys and I won't be able to write for a few days buy I'll write you again when I get back from the parade. School is easy so far, we took a test in science yesterday and I only got 3 wrong out of 40... I'm so awesome! aha. We are so busy its unbelievable! We no longer have to have our heads down on the buese and we might even have charter buses for tomorrow! This is truly a huge opportunity I'm so thankful!
Love ya,
Caitlin
PS Can't wait to see you in September Emma & Tyler
7/20/12
Dear Family,
You wont' get this before I see you for Pre-challenge graduation, but mentors can come :) Today we had our first actual PT test, so I learned that I can do a grand total of 2 actual pushups and 23 situps! Yay... Yeah no :) I can run a mile in 7:53 min & I can reach 5" past my feet.
Tomorrow we will be doing an 8 mile ruck march. Oh boy! Not really looking forward to it... but its our last chance to prove our motivation. I'm getting a nice farmers tan, even with sunscreen on. And believe it or not, the consequence for doing things wrong is not just push-ups, we also do these things called over-head arm claps and they are sooooo much worse! I haven't done any PT by myself as a consequence but we have as a platoon and over-head arm claps suckkk!! Please send more stamps!! Please!! I only have 6 left.
Goodnight,
Caitlin
You wont' get this before I see you for Pre-challenge graduation, but mentors can come :) Today we had our first actual PT test, so I learned that I can do a grand total of 2 actual pushups and 23 situps! Yay... Yeah no :) I can run a mile in 7:53 min & I can reach 5" past my feet.
Tomorrow we will be doing an 8 mile ruck march. Oh boy! Not really looking forward to it... but its our last chance to prove our motivation. I'm getting a nice farmers tan, even with sunscreen on. And believe it or not, the consequence for doing things wrong is not just push-ups, we also do these things called over-head arm claps and they are sooooo much worse! I haven't done any PT by myself as a consequence but we have as a platoon and over-head arm claps suckkk!! Please send more stamps!! Please!! I only have 6 left.
Goodnight,
Caitlin
7/17/12
Dear Dad,
I only just go 2 letters from you today and I don't think I've ever been so excited! Everyday there is a different schedule, so I couldn't tell you , even if I wanted to. I know we get up at 6 during the week 6;30 on the weekends and go to bed somewhere after 8. After pre-challenge graduation there will be a more established schedule. At first it kind of sucked to be yelled at to get up and the lights flicked on, but now I'm up like right before they wake us up so its no big deal anymore. Some things are getting easier like getting up and asking for permission for things but the PT is getting harder, even though I can feel myself getting stronger. I literally cried when I saw that you have to have surgery and I'm not going to be there to support your. I hope your softball season continues to go well! We lose cadets everyday (well, I'm technically still a candidate until I graduate Sunday). We actually just saw two boys from our platoon run to the fence to try to escape today. And two girls are going home tomorrow morning after chow. I don't understand why they all think its THAT bad, it really isn't. These days are really flying by and I can't wait to see you Sunday. And i don't know if Ashton & Lee Ann can go? I know Tyler & Emma won't be able to, but I'll have to ask Master Sgt. Drake. I hope that Uncle Jason & Aunt Natasha's wedding went smoothly and they're happily married :) I also hope that Mom is having a blast at her new job and gets more comfortable.
I'm also really excited for hockey season! "The good ol' hockey game, is the best game you can name" :) And I will gladly go with you or mom! Also, thank mom for teaching me how to french braid, because other than the sock bun, its the only hair style allowed and almost noone but me knows how to do it :) Then again, it was kind of Beeba who taught me... Either way, can you thank them for me? Well gotta go! Goodnight!
Love ya,
Caitlin
PS Tell Mom I love and miss her too.
I only just go 2 letters from you today and I don't think I've ever been so excited! Everyday there is a different schedule, so I couldn't tell you , even if I wanted to. I know we get up at 6 during the week 6;30 on the weekends and go to bed somewhere after 8. After pre-challenge graduation there will be a more established schedule. At first it kind of sucked to be yelled at to get up and the lights flicked on, but now I'm up like right before they wake us up so its no big deal anymore. Some things are getting easier like getting up and asking for permission for things but the PT is getting harder, even though I can feel myself getting stronger. I literally cried when I saw that you have to have surgery and I'm not going to be there to support your. I hope your softball season continues to go well! We lose cadets everyday (well, I'm technically still a candidate until I graduate Sunday). We actually just saw two boys from our platoon run to the fence to try to escape today. And two girls are going home tomorrow morning after chow. I don't understand why they all think its THAT bad, it really isn't. These days are really flying by and I can't wait to see you Sunday. And i don't know if Ashton & Lee Ann can go? I know Tyler & Emma won't be able to, but I'll have to ask Master Sgt. Drake. I hope that Uncle Jason & Aunt Natasha's wedding went smoothly and they're happily married :) I also hope that Mom is having a blast at her new job and gets more comfortable.
I'm also really excited for hockey season! "The good ol' hockey game, is the best game you can name" :) And I will gladly go with you or mom! Also, thank mom for teaching me how to french braid, because other than the sock bun, its the only hair style allowed and almost noone but me knows how to do it :) Then again, it was kind of Beeba who taught me... Either way, can you thank them for me? Well gotta go! Goodnight!
Love ya,
Caitlin
PS Tell Mom I love and miss her too.
7/16/12
Dear Family,
The days are flying by, but the days are getting longer. Two girls left today and Cadre said that we should be losing 6-8 girls after pre-challenge graduation. If they choose the max amount and if I'm picked then we would be down to maybe 17 girls, possibly less. 2nd platoon is already down to a total of 40-something males and no females. They're actually sending some males over to our platoon. We're going to be in a parade on the 27th! I'm totally excited, that's if I make graduation anyway, but I'm pretty sure I'm staying, its just the gut feeling. We get our black boots on Wed. so we can shine and break them in for graduation., we will get our BDU trousers on Sat and our grays sometime next week. Its day 8 and I still haven't gotten anything from you, its kinda sad :( We actually got to get to know each other today. It was cool. I'm officially a squad leader in marching formation because I can march! Well that's all I can write today, goodnight.
Love
Caitline
The days are flying by, but the days are getting longer. Two girls left today and Cadre said that we should be losing 6-8 girls after pre-challenge graduation. If they choose the max amount and if I'm picked then we would be down to maybe 17 girls, possibly less. 2nd platoon is already down to a total of 40-something males and no females. They're actually sending some males over to our platoon. We're going to be in a parade on the 27th! I'm totally excited, that's if I make graduation anyway, but I'm pretty sure I'm staying, its just the gut feeling. We get our black boots on Wed. so we can shine and break them in for graduation., we will get our BDU trousers on Sat and our grays sometime next week. Its day 8 and I still haven't gotten anything from you, its kinda sad :( We actually got to get to know each other today. It was cool. I'm officially a squad leader in marching formation because I can march! Well that's all I can write today, goodnight.
Love
Caitline
7/15/12
Dear Family,
Today, we actually had fun! We played tug-of-war and played some relay races and games. We finally get to wash our hair today, and finally shave tomorrow. We also get our gray uniforms soon, the color guard already have theirs, and they look really nice. I do miss being able to listen to music a bit, but most times I don't even have the time to think about home. I can feel that I am getting stronger everyday. My feet still hurt though... probably because we're on them from 0600 until 2100. I also learned today that half the girls here have been arrested and just got off probation or they just got out of the looney bin. One thing is for sure the males definitely think less of us females but they weren't thinking that after 1st platoon females beat the second platoon males :) Oh! And don't forget to put "Plt.1" after my name in the return address. Dad, I thought of you especially today when Cadre said "We don't like when people are behind us, so sit in front!" That just made me think of you. To be honest sometimes it gets really hard here and you guys are my only motivation. i know I'm mean, nasty, rude and lazy, but that's why I'm here to change. I haven't even gotten home yet and I already appreciate most of the things I get at home. Like the ability to wash my hair when I want! Gahh! I know I'm definitely gonna come home with some weird new habits. And I "weird" because they're different. And different is good. When we first got up this morning after morning chow, we went on a 5 mile ruck march. Our ruck sacks were full and it was on-and-off sprinkling. Awesome. Well gotta go! Write again tomorrow, goodnight.
Love,
Caitlin
PS If you get this before you see me, send more stamps, pleasee!!??
Today, we actually had fun! We played tug-of-war and played some relay races and games. We finally get to wash our hair today, and finally shave tomorrow. We also get our gray uniforms soon, the color guard already have theirs, and they look really nice. I do miss being able to listen to music a bit, but most times I don't even have the time to think about home. I can feel that I am getting stronger everyday. My feet still hurt though... probably because we're on them from 0600 until 2100. I also learned today that half the girls here have been arrested and just got off probation or they just got out of the looney bin. One thing is for sure the males definitely think less of us females but they weren't thinking that after 1st platoon females beat the second platoon males :) Oh! And don't forget to put "Plt.1" after my name in the return address. Dad, I thought of you especially today when Cadre said "We don't like when people are behind us, so sit in front!" That just made me think of you. To be honest sometimes it gets really hard here and you guys are my only motivation. i know I'm mean, nasty, rude and lazy, but that's why I'm here to change. I haven't even gotten home yet and I already appreciate most of the things I get at home. Like the ability to wash my hair when I want! Gahh! I know I'm definitely gonna come home with some weird new habits. And I "weird" because they're different. And different is good. When we first got up this morning after morning chow, we went on a 5 mile ruck march. Our ruck sacks were full and it was on-and-off sprinkling. Awesome. Well gotta go! Write again tomorrow, goodnight.
Love,
Caitlin
PS If you get this before you see me, send more stamps, pleasee!!??
7/13/12
I apologize for not getting this letter out last night but I ran out of time. And oh my God everyday they up the ante. Today, all we did was PT and I'll be soo sore tomorrow, its hard to believe that its been almost a week already. It really has gone by fast and its challenging to be completely honest I can't wait til school starts. It starts the day after pre-challenge graduation. Thankfully that's most of what we are doing. I'm getting stronger everyday, I can feel it and I'm losing weight too. And eww, it's been 5 days since I washed my hair. I don't want to go home until I'm supposed to graduate but it is a lot of work. Only eight days until I see you Mom & Dad, and I never thought I'd say this, but I could really use a hug.
Miss you!
Caitlin
PS I apologize for the icky handwriting.
Miss you!
Caitlin
PS I apologize for the icky handwriting.
7/12/12
Mom, Dad,
Please send me some of my friends addresses. I could really use some love from back home. Not gonna lie, I do love calling cadence when marching but my feet still hurt. We did our first actual PT today, push-ups, sit ups and running. I actually did better this time then I did last, but I don't know how I'll be feeling about it tomorrow... I am really glad they didn't cut my hair though because if they did... well lets just say gross. Write Me!!! Quickly! It's so disappointing when I don't get a letter. Today we had a barrack/hygiene inspection by the Company First Sergeant and he told us that our barracks were the best of all of the company (females are half a platoon & males other half; two platoons). Also, the barracks aren't the icky ones I thought they would be, they have actual bathrooms with actual stalls, and no group showers... Thank God! It is kinda hard to do everything so quickly though. And get this! The Cadre told us that by the end of the program we will be doing ruck marches for 8 miles with a full ruck (backpack). We did a mile an a half ruck march last night, it wasn't too bad but it was really sweaty.
Please send me some of my friends addresses. I could really use some love from back home. Not gonna lie, I do love calling cadence when marching but my feet still hurt. We did our first actual PT today, push-ups, sit ups and running. I actually did better this time then I did last, but I don't know how I'll be feeling about it tomorrow... I am really glad they didn't cut my hair though because if they did... well lets just say gross. Write Me!!! Quickly! It's so disappointing when I don't get a letter. Today we had a barrack/hygiene inspection by the Company First Sergeant and he told us that our barracks were the best of all of the company (females are half a platoon & males other half; two platoons). Also, the barracks aren't the icky ones I thought they would be, they have actual bathrooms with actual stalls, and no group showers... Thank God! It is kinda hard to do everything so quickly though. And get this! The Cadre told us that by the end of the program we will be doing ruck marches for 8 miles with a full ruck (backpack). We did a mile an a half ruck march last night, it wasn't too bad but it was really sweaty.
7/10/12
Dear Family,
Okay, so its getting a little harder, I had to do five push-ups! As a platoon, but still... Anyway, these days are so long but quick, I want to come home because I'm tired and sore, and I just want to sleep all day, but I know that won't help me. Dad, thank you for coming across this and introducing it to me because it already suckes, but I know it will change me for the better. I miss you guys & Emma, I hope you're enjoying my closet :) And the pool haha. I think the worst thing is the fact that we have to stnad at the position of attention (poa) in bed! Then they tell us to adjust after like a half hour! All I can say is that I will have great posture when I come home. Write back quickly, I want to hear from you guys! I know its ony been 3 days or more 2-1/2 but still, write me!
Love,
Caitlin
PS Cadre told us that we have to write each day, so thats why its everyday.
Okay, so its getting a little harder, I had to do five push-ups! As a platoon, but still... Anyway, these days are so long but quick, I want to come home because I'm tired and sore, and I just want to sleep all day, but I know that won't help me. Dad, thank you for coming across this and introducing it to me because it already suckes, but I know it will change me for the better. I miss you guys & Emma, I hope you're enjoying my closet :) And the pool haha. I think the worst thing is the fact that we have to stnad at the position of attention (poa) in bed! Then they tell us to adjust after like a half hour! All I can say is that I will have great posture when I come home. Write back quickly, I want to hear from you guys! I know its ony been 3 days or more 2-1/2 but still, write me!
Love,
Caitlin
PS Cadre told us that we have to write each day, so thats why its everyday.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Report Date
Today we were able to have a quick lunch in Battle Creek before heading over the the Michigan Youth Challenge Academy headquarters located at the VA Medical Center in Battle Creek. Caitlin is about to embark on a 22 week residential program to position her for a more successful future.
We were one of the last families to arrive, at this time they were only processing female candidates for the MYCA program. As we got closer to the front of the line, we noticed a female candidate pulled over to the side being addressed by a "Cadre", basically a drill instructor. The instructor was getting in her face and "telling her how it is". This was quite the first impression for the other candidates.
Well, we made it to the front of the line, and Caitlin was processed and escorted inside and began her journey. For us, it was just a long ride home fielding questions from the other kids that we really didn't have answers for.
This blog going forward will be an archive of letters received by Caitlin during the course of her stay at Michigan Youth Challenge Academy.
We were one of the last families to arrive, at this time they were only processing female candidates for the MYCA program. As we got closer to the front of the line, we noticed a female candidate pulled over to the side being addressed by a "Cadre", basically a drill instructor. The instructor was getting in her face and "telling her how it is". This was quite the first impression for the other candidates.
Well, we made it to the front of the line, and Caitlin was processed and escorted inside and began her journey. For us, it was just a long ride home fielding questions from the other kids that we really didn't have answers for.
This blog going forward will be an archive of letters received by Caitlin during the course of her stay at Michigan Youth Challenge Academy.
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