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Toughest part of A school?
My son is in week 5, I believe, of ETN A school.
He tells me when they have tests coming up but I am reluctant to ask how he did. Is there a certain part that is harder than others? I do not want to put any added stress on him. He was one of those who underachieved in HS and I do t want him stressing out about grades except for himself
Also I’m going to visit at Thanksgiving. What kind of surprise would be good to take? He says he no longer eats candy.
Views: 230
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Gigi on
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I think the hardest part of A school is the adjustment of being there. Their new time schedule- with stand watch duty and study hours combined, new environment, new roommates and all. Don’t worry about his scores he got this! Tip: try to ask if he has a mandatory study hours and how many hours? That’s when you know likely his class standing. The seasoned Moms on here will give you more info about mandatory hours. I think (not sure) if it’s 20 hours, then his grades will probably 2.5 (again I’m not sure).
My son refused everything i ask or give if he wants anything but will end up using or eating them all. Lol. Try bringing his fave sheets/blanket or clothes. My son missed home cooked meal, maybe you want to get a hotel with kitchen. Enjoy your visit.
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Permalink Reply by Lancertrackmom on
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His GPA is a 3.2. I sent all he clothes he wanted. I am NOT a good cook so we will eat out while I’m there. Lol.
He got lucky and a guy who was in his Div in boot camp is his roommate so that was nice. I met him the Saturday morning that they flew down to Goose Creek. -
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Permalink Reply by B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet) on
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My son made some great friends while in the Navy. One of them is still his best friend and it's been 10 years. They were in boot camp together and went all through nuke school together. They had an apartment together during prototype and then a house when they both were in VA.
Both are out of the Navy now and were in each other's weddings. Their wives are also best friends now too and my husband and I have met his parents on a couple of occasions. Definitely life long friendships!
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It just depends on the person as to what parts might be easier or harder. B did fine in A school - he said that was more of a learning curve to figure out how to learn/study (memorize) the "Navy way", struggled greatly in Power School - had lots of mandatory study time, even had to re-comp (which means he didn't pass the first time around and they have to take the final PS test again) and enjoyed Prototype - which is the final school and more "hands on". Everyone is different. Just remember, the Navy really wants them to succeed. They can get help if needed and the saying is "2.5 to stay alive".
But if for some reason they don't complete the nuke program and get re-rated IT ISN'T THE END OF THE WORLD. We've had many on here that have re-rated at various points in the program and have gone on to be very successful in their new rate. Some say their sailor is even happier in their new rate. So try not to stress - continue to be a cheerleader for him and offer support and a shoulder to lean on. He'll get through this and so will you!
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Permalink Reply by MomofJoseph on
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Lancertrackmom, my son is in Power School and is almost exactly 6 months ahead of your son. My son also let me know when he had tests coming up (and always asked me to pray for him) so I did ask how they went. For him the most difficult part was the last class. Part of the challenge is that they start prepping for comps (the comprehensive final). He thought they should do all of their coursework and then study for comps. But we told him that the Navy has done this for years and they know the best way to help the sailors succeed. :-)
We will also be there over Thanksgiving weekend! I usually take him beef jerky as a treat.
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Permalink Reply by DsMom2020 on
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Lancertrackmom
my son enjoyed protein bars and healthy snacks he could keep in his room in case he wanted to skip a meal or was extra hungry.
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Permalink Reply by emilyl on
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From what I have seen, some that had difficulty in HS, excelled in these schools and some that excelled in HS, had difficulty in these schools. This particular pipeline of training is both long and demanding and maintaining both mental and physical health can be a challenge. Life in itself can also be provide such challenges. What helps is the love and support of family. The message I give my son that is in this pipeline is that we all have successes and failures in our lives - what matters most is that we try and do our best. Also, do not be afraid to say the mushy stuff, as in to state how proud you are of them as a person and tell that you love them. After all that stuff, I basically ask how he is doing (maybe ask if he is above the line). If the answer is not well or below or close to below the line, repeat again how much you love them and are proud of them.
BTW - "2.5 to stay alive" is the line I am referring to.
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Permalink Reply by Chipmunk on
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Lancertrackmom - I had a busy holiday season and I just came back to your post again. I just wanted to touch base with you. How is your sailor doing? I hope you were able to spend some time with him during the holidays.
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My son is in the last section which is ETN specific and says that is the hardest part however he said it is all memorization and he has gotten his highest grades in it. he has graduation in a month said he has 1 written test left then practical and comps. His gpa has hovered around 3.21 which I am thrilled with because he was an unmotivated student in HS. He did say that even though this class is hardest it is fun. It seems the SLPOs are extremely supportive and really do everything they can to help the students succeed.
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Lancertrackmom - sounds like he's doing great! Glad to hear everything is going well and even better that he says it's "fun"! Tell him BZ from me!
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