Cari, a second-year midshipman "Youngster" is heading from her classes when she noticed the sound of worried breathing and jittering coming from the corner of the hallway. Turning around, she noticed fourth-year midshipman "Firstie" Vitani leaning against a wall. She was visibly shaking and biting her lip, trying not to cry.

"Vitani?" Cari asked. At first Vitani nearly jumped, but relaxed as soon as she saw it was Cari.

"Oh, Cari, it's just you," Vitani said, nearly trembling.

"What's wrong?" Cari asked. Vitani knew she couldn't hide it.

"I'll be out of here in three months!" Vitani nearly shouted. She then held up a piece of paper. "My advisor told me that the Navy Pilot Program... accepted me."

"That's great news!" Cari said smiling.

"But, that means... leaving Annapolis. I was nervous coming here, now I'm nervous leaving!" Vitani quickly explained. Cari knew exactly what Vitani was going through.

"Oh, I get it, you're nervous about the future," Cari began. She then led Vitani to a nearby bench as she put her duffel bag down. Cari motioned Vitani to sit next to her and she did. "I've been in this situation before. The feeling is no different than moving on from high school. It's the fear, but also the joy of 'what happens next?' in our lives. Take my advice, just take each step one at a time. Don't think about the next one until you get there. Right now, just think about your classes and your homework, then think about graduation, and then think about flight training. I'll be in your shoes one day, and I'm making the most of every day I have."

Vitani smiled.

"I knew it, I knew you would make a great midshipman, Cari, and now you're showing signs that you'll make a great officer," Vitani told her.

"I had a great Detailer during Plebe Summer," Cari smiled, referring to Vitani.

They both got up, shook hands, and parted ways.