It is the cycle: the never-ending approach, realization, and dismissal. No matter how you look at it, or how hard you try to delay it, time passes. Cliche—possibly. Truth—for sure.

The Firsties are about five weeks away from graduation. Each one of them will have a fresh start at a new location somewhere in the world, employed by the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps. It’s a stark transition. Right now, the Firsties walk the halls of Bancroft as company commanders, team captains, conduct officers, and platoon commanders. They are the leaders. They have realized their highest points as midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy.

In just a little while, however, they will leave the Yard and become fresh junior officers—the newbies of the fleet. As one 2007 graduate once told me, “I feel like a plebe all over again.” He had arrived at his destroyer only to find a new world that he had yet to discover–new customs to follow and many faux pas to avoid.

His adjustment process to the Fleet and the real Navy (the mystical world beyond the Naval Academy that I am told truly exists,) was not unlike the process he experienced four years earlier as in incoming high schooler to Annapolis, Maryland. He was new, unaware, and soon to be told he was wrong. But as any good or bad position in the military appears to be, it passed. He was promoted beyond his Ensign rank just as he had graduated from Plebe to Youngster to Second Class to Firstie. It is the cycle. And many will follow.

As the Firsties graduate on May 22nd, 2009, they will create room for the three remaining classes at the Naval Academy. The current Plebes will be free, the Youngsters will receive true leadership positions, and the Second Class will realize that the Yard is finally theirs.

Only a year later, it will be my turn to make room for others. I am part of the current—pushed forward by those behind me, pulled by those ahead. We are all connected, working together. And I’d like to think that I do some pushing and pulling myself.