My Journey as a New Boy

By Santiago Lopez ’27

My name is Santiago Lopez, and I am a junior at MMA. I have only been at MMA for two and one-half months. It is a short time, but each month has brought significant changes and important steps in my life. When I arrived at MMA, I knew I would face challenges. I didn’t know whether I would face them alone or with support. One thing was certain, I was beginning the long journey of becoming a man.

Each day I encountered obstacles, some big and some small.  Each of them pushed me out of my comfort zone. I was no longer in my hometown, lounging in my bedroom watching television. I was now in the real world where you must challenge yourself to thrive. The days passed quickly. Before I knew it, the Crucible was just one day away. Also, there was the promise of seeing my parents in two more weeks.  

The night before the Crucible, everyone slept in the gym. As I started to fall asleep, a memory of a moment with my dad and brother came to mind. They had warned me about the enormous changes my life would undergo after summer. Back then, I didn’t listen, but now I understand those words. 

In the morning, we were awakened, got dressed, and headed to the track. We started the Crucible with the Devil’s Mile. At first, it felt easy. With each step I took, my body grew tired.  My legs began to give out. I reminded myself that this was just the first event.  I wasn’t yet giving my best effort. Suddenly, a burst of energy filled my body, and I started to speed up. I finished the first event surprisingly unexhausted. 

On the bus to the next segments of the Crucible, I recalled my father asking me many times if I truly wanted to attend a military school. Throughout the second, third, and fourth events, I felt like giving up.   For the first time since arriving at MMA, my brain questioned, “Why did I say yes?” Then, I remembered the moment I had to choose between a typical boarding school or attending MMA. The phrase inscribed in the Memorial Chapel echoed in my mind: “Help us choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong.” I chose the harder right, which was coming to MMA and taking the right step for my life. That thought energized me when my mind felt low and my body wanted to quit.   It gave me the final push to complete the Crucible. 

After resting, I told myself it wasn't that hard. I got back up and celebrated with my friends.  We knew that our journey as new boys was almost over.   

I felt pride within myself.  I hoped that the days before Fall Family Weekend would pass quickly.  I knew that in two weeks my father and my mother would see me.   I could already sense the happiness that I would feel when my father pinned my hat brass.  He will congratulate me for my efforts during the past two and one-half months.   

I see an image of my MMA brothers and me on the Saturday of Fall Family Weekend.  We are smiling after the Passing Through Ceremony.  We know that we are no longer new boys.  We have earned our place at MMA.  

This article was written for the Journalism and Media Production class, fall 2025, taught by George Davison ’68. Cadet Lopez Arano is a junior from Cuajimalpa, Mexico.