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TCA is a place of discipline, structure, and respect. Everything is earned, not given. When I first arrived, I told myself I’d be going home. I hated the program before I even started. The 5-minute showers, the 1-3 minute lantern call, formation, and asking permission to move, speak, or stand felt overwhelming. Many of us thought it was like prison because it felt like one. It was a lot to handle. People might say, “It will get easier,” but that’s a lie. Things aren’t considered a challenge if they get easier. Also, I couldn’t treat TCA like school because things would only get harder. Instead, I had to learn to treat TCA like my happy space. Sometimes I experienced fun—sports, group activities, and much more. I continue to keep my head up and never put it down. I am reminded that my future is always in front of me. During those times, I make friends and talk to other cadets, but remember why I came here. You didn’t come to TCA for your mom or dad—you came here for yourself. My reason is to earn my GED; yours may be to earn a GED or a high school diploma, or to become a better person.
Also, keep in mind that even if most of us haven’t had the best past or childhood, don’t use that as an excuse. Use it as an example to show that your past doesn’t define who you are or who you will become. It’s part of TCA’s job to help you see that. Two staff members in particular, C.S. Bellvin and C.S. Clark, I knew from the moment I saw them that I could trust them. They care a lot for us cadets despite our behavior at times. Just because they yell or get onto you when you’re doing the wrong thing doesn’t mean they’re being rude or “doing too much,” as we young people say. It simply means they’re looking out for us—they see potential in us that we might not see in ourselves. If you are a current cadet or a future cadet, know this: be prepared for fighting, overwhelming moments, and more. But don’t let it get to you. Use it as motivation and show them that you’re stronger, better, and more mature. Aim for the top and reach for the stars, because I BELIEVE IN ME and YOU—I know you can and will make it.
