Sandy-gram

[#1]

"Congratulations, Catherine. You've been selected for admission at the United States Military Academy. . ."

When I read the letter, my heart stopped. And from that moment on, I was sold. I would soon join "the Long Gray Line" and become one of the 15% to make up the female population at the prestigious military academy. But being a girl at West Point doesn't mean that you have to pretend to be a boy, despite our small numbers.    (Photo right: Catherine Ball is the 3rd cadet from the left.)

Yes, I can do real push-ups. And yes, I can sleep outside and fire a weapon. But I still love shopping, Gilmore Girls, and the latest issue of Cosmo. I’ve made some of the best girl friends I could ever ask for at USMA, and I would not trade them for the world. 

(Photo left: Catherine is flanked by two close cadet friends.)

And just to set the record straight, not all guys at West Point have stunningly good looks, white horses, and trust funds.  But most of them are great people, trying to prepare themselves for officership in our Army during a time of ongoing conflict. In fact, that goes for girls and guys alike.

I know that some people at home worried about me changing when I was suddenly thrust into a culture of manliness that is, stereotypically, the Army. It was a far cry from where I came from… A high school senior in the beautiful small town of Lincolnton, Georgia, named both prom and homecoming queen, selected as varsity tennis captain, elected President of the Student Council, senior class, and Senior Beta Club, active in the 4-H club, co-editor of the yearbook. College was just around the corner, and the world was mine for the taking. I was completely ready for sorority life at the University of Georgia when I got the letter that would point my life in a very different direction.  

(Photo above right: Catherine holds her own with her male counterparts.)

When I showed up on Reception Day in 2008 for Cadet Basic Training (fondly—err, commonly-- referred to as ‘Beast’), I was wearing a dress (Maybe the dress, in terms of trying to stay invisible in an intense environment, wasn’t the best idea--even now, as a rising senior, I still get ribbed for it!) and Coach sneakers. I had black heels in my hot pink backpack, mascara in one hand and an Evian water bottle in the other, completely oblivious to the sea of short buzz cuts and camouflage that surrounded me.

Now don’t get me wrong; my father was a graduate, and I knew what I was getting into.  I understood that I was entering the Academy during a time of war, and I wanted to serve my country.

It just didn’t hit me until they made me take off my toe nail polish and confiscated my heels for the duration of Beast that, as a woman, I would be outnumbered by men in a rough ratio of seven to one. 

 

Looking back, would I choose a different path for my life? Would I choose an Athens sorority over the West Point ‘fraternity’ I joined when I decided to become a member of the USMA Class of 2012?

Not a chance.  But my toenails are always painted, and you better believe I keep lip gloss close-by at all times.

(The experience has left Catherine with great memories and friends.) 

[#2]

Congratulations. Catherine!  Your Dad, being an Academy grad,, likely has a mile-wide smile and the  "brass buttons" popping off  his uniform jacket.

It is great to read the outstanding, military achievements accomplished by the "lip-glossers." LIke the 'ol saying, "Never judge a book by it''s cover. ".

So...S-N-A-P  T-O !......F-O-R-W-A-R-D- -M-A-R-C-H...into a Rewarding, Military Career.  Your Determination and  Never-Give-Up  Attitude, are reflected in your composition" High School Prom Queen to Military Cadet.... Attributes exuding from a YOUNG LADY,  POSSESSING, .TRUE, LEADERSHIP ABILITY.... I SALUTE YOU,  CADET  CATHERINE BALL.

[#3]

Agreed!  I think it's fabulous that you were willing to go into an environment that has typically aligned with men - and kicked some butt!  Great job!  We're all proud of you....and we want to thank you for serving your country.  There should be more young women like you!

[#4]

Thank y'all so much for your kind words. I really appreciate your encouragement! I still have a year left at school, but I can't wait to welcome the new challenges that await after graduation next May. It helps to know that people are cheering us on!

Thank you again!

[#5]

Since I like to connect everything to movies, are there any parts of G.I. Jane that you could relate to? Was any of it realistic? Have you ever considered shaving your head? Are there any guys that are not happy about women in the military? Do you feel like you have to be twice as good as the guys just to be accepted?

I'm very impressed with what you've already accomplished. Continued good luck with your final year.

[#6]

I'd love to hear Catherine's reaction to moviemad's questions. I hope she'll see that post and respond.

[#7]

It may be a bit before Catherine can respond...she's on an internship in Germany. It seems that high achievers are constantly on the move. She told me that she appreciated everyone's support and encouragement. Go, Catherine!

[#8]

Do you remember that movie Private Benjamin with Goldie Hawn, where she signs up for the Army because the recruiter promises she could see the world? She finds herself in Boot Camp, her mascara running down her face, whining. And eventually she pulls it together and the Army brings out a strength and character she didn't know she had. It was hilarious but I loved the underlying message too.

[#9]

I've never seen that whole movie, only parts of it. You've made me want to rent it!

[#10]

Great story, Catherine!...And what a great way to spread the word of your opportunity to serve the country and gain exceptional experience while doing it. HOOAH!

[#11]

Kudos to a high achiever serving her country.  The younger generation gets a bum rap sometimes because of a few when all we have to do is look a little deeper to see smart, decisive, ambitious and capable young people changing the world in positive ways. 

Thank you for your service, Catherine.