Lords of Discipline

1. I hesitate to use the word power because very few people actually wield power, most simply have authority, which is given to them by those with the power. Generally speaking, in my experience with the authority of upperclassmen in the corps has been positive, they use their authority to accomplish the tasks they are responsible for. Authority and Responsibility go hand in hand as one increases the other increases at the same rate. My personal relationship with authority is one where I have been able to view those who wield their authority well or poorly.
2. Everyone suffers as a freshman. Unproductive upperclassmen take this experience and attempt to get revenge for their experience by unjustly punishing their charges. A good and just upperclassman takes his experiences as a freshman and shaping their leadership off of hard but fair role models.
3. Bobby Bentley was a freshman who was unable to control his bladder when being reamed by upperclassmen. His buddies abandoned him at one point and refused to help him through the hard parts of the year. However, in a final act of solidarity when Bentley soiled his pants, his peers soiled their pants as well. This was the last time anyone ever saw Bentley.
4. Will’s great teacher theory revolves around teachers inspiring and challenging him. Will has an inspiring relationship with Col. Reynolds. Col. Reynolds challenges Will and makes sure Will doesn’t slack off too much. I have a very similar relationship with a mentor, in fact Col. Reynolds reminds me of my mentor in a lot of ways.
5. Will sees himself in Pearce and empathizes with him.
6. I don’t know any upperclassmen well and would not even consider relaxing around them.