I’m not one to wish my life away, but I have to admit, during the Dark Ages of my son’s Plebe Year, I wished I could have closed my eyes and opened them on the day of the Herndon Climb.
Induction Day was a nightmare, Plebe Summer was grueling, and while things had slowly improved since my son’s “dark night of the soul” (h/t to Susan Weisberg for that phrase, which I use often), in my mind, getting to Herndon meant that we made it. Not that he made it, but that the entire family made it. It was a clear indication that our lives had been subsumed by the Naval Academy.
As I look at the calendar today, it’s time to begin the countdown for the Class of 2025. It’s officially less than 100 days to their Herndon Climb, Plebe Year’s finish line. Sure, Spring Break is coming, but that’s a mere respite, like a TV timeout. Herndon is the endgame.
I’ll repeat the same advice I give to the parents of every class – if you can be there, be there. Period. I’ve seen it on TV, I’ve watched the videos and livestreams. They’re great. They are not the same as being there. So if you can go, please go. I predict you will not regret it.
Of course, preparations for the (un)official Class of 2025 Herndon Climb playlist are underway. In the meantime, here are some past editions that serve as warm-ups.
CLASS OF 2020
This is my son’s class and it was he and his companymates that created the playlist.
CLASS OF 2021
This year, the rest of my family supplied the playlist. How many hype playlists include Samuel Barber’s Adagio?
CLASS OF 2022
This one is personal – a journey through our Plebe Year experience. Literally the agony to the ecstasy
CLASS OF 2023
This was so much fun – special guests Kristin Cronic (you know her, Easel on Stribling), Grant Vermeer (the former Academy Insider), Annie Shine (the talent behind Midpins and The USNA Mom’s Journal), and Susan Weisberg (the brilliant mind behind Chester Midshipmouse) put together an unforgettable playlist for what COVID-19 made an almost completely forgettable year.
CLASS OF 2024
Annie and My Kid The Mid helped put together the “comeback” playlist. Thank God it’s back!
Class of 2025 – you’re next. While I’m not sure I’d want to relive my Plebe Year parent experience, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit a little jealousy over the excitement over Herndon. I mean, I love it and I’ll watch it and I’ll be excited for you and your Plebes, but I don’t know if there’s anything quite like knowing your Plebe is there among the masses, helping their class earn the right to change “Plebes No More.”
You’re on the clock. Enjoy every moment!
My Kid The Mid 
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