Graduates Share Experiences As Freshmen at The Citadel

By Bob Castello
SJCS Communications Manager

Seven members of the SJCS Class of 2024 returned to their alma mater just before Christmas break to share their experiences as freshmen at The Citadel.

Hayden Courchaine, Dixon Watts, Hammond Fayssoux, Mason Brierton, Gabe Nelson, Collins Langdon and Camilo Gacha spoke to current St. Joseph's students who were interested in hearing about the college and what it has to offer.

They explained how all cadets are members of companies, went over a day in the life of a cadet and, of course, talked about academics.

"You all will do really well at The Citadel because St. Joe's kids do really well," Hayden said.

"It's good to have that confidence," said Dixon. "If you have academic confidence, then you can do all the military stuff as well."

As for the physical training, Hammond said, "If you played a high school sport and you didn't ride the bench full-time, you'll be fine."
 

And you'll constantly be in motion.

"You have to be doing something at every single point of the day," Mason said.

"When I came back for Thanksgiving break," said Hayden, "I felt incredibly lazy because I wasn't doing as much as I usually do, because you're so busy at The Citadel."

"It forces you to improve," Hammond said. "If you're not good at something, your company will notice and they will force you to get better at it. Every night, you have almost a three-hour evening study period. You're not allowed to be on your phone. You're not allowed to do anything else but academics. It forces you to do your studies.

"If you're not good at (physical training), they'll put you on remedial PT, which means you have to go to PT every day until you get good at it. They will not let you slack off."

Mason said he has thrived academically at The Citadel because he has been "locked in."

"I noticed when I came here, they push you so hard to be the best version of yourself," Mason said. "If you're not really good at running, if you're not good at school, they'll get on you for it. It makes you want to do well."

"Now when I go off," said Dixon, "I'm going to actually be confident I can run a business and do what I need to do."

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