Teen Kid Changes His Mind About Summer Marine Program, His Mom Is Surprisingly Persistent To Get Him In

"She said it’s just a haircut, and it’s selfish to back out now.

Damjan

• Published in Interesting
• May 10, 2023

OP, a diligent student, was enrolled in a program at his school called "the Marine Challenge," essentially a fitness initiative. When his parents proposed the idea of him participating in a program at the Marine Military Academy over the summer, he readily agreed, assuming it would resemble the program he was currently involved in.

Upon researching and watching videos about the academy, OP found it to be exciting, but one aspect gave him pause. The academy required all campers to buzz off their hair, a significant change for OP, who proudly sported long hair.

Feeling apprehensive, OP confessed to his mother that he had reconsidered his decision. However, she responded that the deposit had already been paid, and he was committed to attending.

She questioned his reasons for changing his mind, and he revealed his concern about losing his hair. His mother dismissed it as a mere haircut and chastised him for his reluctance, accusing him of selfishness.

She stated that he should have thoroughly researched the program before giving his consent. While OP understood his mother's perspective, he couldn't help but feel conflicted.

He wondered if his hesitance and reluctance to go through with the program, despite the hair-shaving requirement, made him the wrongdoer in this situation.

OP asks:

OP, a diligent student, was enrolled in a program at his school called "the Marine Challenge," essentially a fitness initiative.

When his parents proposed the idea of him participating in a program at the Marine Military Academy over the summer, he readily agreed, assuming it would resemble the program he was currently involved in.

Upon researching and watching videos about the academy, OP found it to be exciting, but one aspect gave him pause. The academy required all campers to buzz off their hair, a significant change for OP, who proudly sported long hair.

OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the a-hole:

OP should pay back the deposit

OP can change his mind if the summer military program isn't an obligation

It depends:

One real-life experience here:

Marine Military Academy, a prestigious institution dedicated to the development of youth, was known for its rigorous programs. Among these was a renowned summer program that served as an extension of their year-round discipline and physical fitness training.

One of the Redditors looked it up:

TUITION & FEES SCHEDULE

Summer Camp 2023 costs

FOUR WEEKS

Application Fee (NON-REFUNDABLE):

$ 150.00

Uniforms & Personal Care Items (Retained by camper):

$ 600.00

Tuition, Room & Board:

$ 4,500.00

TOTAL SUMMER CAMP COSTS:

$ 5,250.00

They asked: Why on earth would your parents agree to a $5K four-week summer camp that isn't useful for anything? Don't go there. The school costs $47K a year to indoctrinate children.

But even the experience of going through boot camp can cause trauma

So sad

OP needs tot think things through

Others agree:

OP should just pay his mom back and quit

It can be argued that the Marine Military Academy's program serves as a form of initial exposure or indoctrination into the lifestyle and discipline of the Marine Corps. This includes not only physical fitness and discipline but also the shared experiences like the buzz cut, which can serve as a rite of passage and a symbol of unity and commitment.

The haircut, while seemingly a trivial detail, actually embodies a transformative process, representing the shedding of individuality and embracing the collective identity, a fundamental aspect of military service. It could be seen as a tool of indoctrination, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared sacrifice among the participants.

One might say that his parents are actually prepping him for the Marines without his knowledge.

Damjan