Yesterday was orientation day. Kev, his family and I got a hotel for Saturday night so we could be up early and on time to orientation, which started Sunday at 9 am. According to the academy, "if you're not early, you're late." So, we arrived around 8:20 in the gymnasium and we weren't the only ones. Being early also allowed us to secure 3rd row seats. Kev decided not to shave his hair yet and wanted to wait until that night, but we quickly noticed that most of the guys had already been shaved down. The Captain spoke and another officer lead most of the agenda for the day. There were videos about the pressures of the academy that cadets will be going through, but each of them ended with inspiration scenes of grad day, squad cars, CHP pilots, and all the other honorable positions that a cadet will have the opportunity to have if they give the academy 110%. They also had two current cadets in their 15th week speak to us. They spoke out to the new cadets and were honest about the hard work and expectations of the academy, but also highlighted that it has been one of the most exciting and fulfilling times of their lives. They repeated over and over, "it's not easy". A CHP wife also spoke, and was very inspirational to me and likely other family members, girlfriends, and wives who were also seeking some confirmation that our cadets can make it and so can we. Cadets were able to ask questions and most asked about the first week; what was okay to bring, wear to bed, likelihood of weekend liberty, etc. We stopped for a break at one point and they asked the cadets to "line up on the North wall facing West". Kev headed over, mimicked the conformity of the current cadets we had seen through out the day, and walked out with the group. This was the first time he was alone with the officers. A few minutes later, the cadets came back in and Kev came over to us. We asked what they did and he said they were told to run over to the cafeteria (I think) and basically just got yelled at. He said one girl was yelled at for looking around and not keeping her eyes forward. Kev said they also told the class that they can see a few people still needed to cut their hair. So, if you're wondering whether to cut your hair for orientation... cut it and cut it short! Kev said some guys were told they could even go shorter. Finally, it was time for a tour! We saw the cafeteria, a classroom, and a few places cadets were told they should hope they are never called to. We also got to see the sacred CHP fountain with the names of fallen officers. It was a beautiful tribute but certainly a reminder of why the academy needs to be so difficult for the cadets, because it is not an easy job and they need to be prepared so they can come home to us every day. We also saw the rooms were the cadets would be staying. There are 4 conjoined rooms with a bathroom in the center. Each room has 3 beds, one bunk and a single. There is small closet space for each cadet, maybe 2 feet of space with space above the closet. The bathroom for all 12 cadets had 2 sinks, 2 stalls and 2 showers. It was tight quarters. I'm curious how the arrangements are made as to who get's which room, which bed, and how they plan to sleep, clean and study with so many people in such a small space. I'll keep you posted as I find out more.
After orientation, we went to lunch at BJ's. Kev saw a few guys he recognized from orientation. It was also easy to spot them with their shaved heads and bright orange HR folders the cadets had been handed in the morning. Kev made an effort to say hello before we sat for lunch. After lunch we said good bye to his parents and I stayed for a bit to help him pack up everything he had for the weekend that he didn't need or couldn't bring to the academy. We also shaved his head! Kev let me start with a 2 knowing that wasn't short enough. Since I had never seen him with his hair buzzed and it was the first sign of physical change, he let me come to my own conclusion that we needed to take it down to a 1. That was it, his bags were packed, his hair was shaved, and he was as ready as he would ever be. Leaving him was so hard. I tried to be strong, and reminded him that he has amazing support from his family and that I will always be there waiting for him at home. I definitely cried knowing that this was the start of a long journey for us both. Kev is such a great guy. He is so kind to everyone around him, and one of the best people I have ever met. He deserves the world. So knowing the stress he is about to endure, all I want to do is help him. However, I know he is strong, driven and won't give up. He will break in the right ways, and will soon be an officer to protect us all. I drove away crying, but talked to Kev on the phone before turning out the lights. It was the first night in a long time, with just kitty and I. We can do this.
- Mimi
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