One thing I love about VMI is the culture of unity. When you enroll, you’re not just another warm body, you’re family—for life. And this doesn’t stop with the students; it extends to the families. I will be forever grateful for the parents of upperclassmen that took Thomas and I under their wings and helped us navigate the ratline. And the only thing they ask in return: pay it forward—help a rat family in future years. Definitely! But we had the opportunity and privilege to do something this year.