Monday marked R-Day, or Reception Day, for the more than 1,200 new cadets who will start their journey at the United States Military Academy at West Point. More than 1,200 cadets from all 50 states and over a dozen countries make up its Class of 2028. 

Victoria Kasanganay is one of them. Her family came from the Democratic Republic of Congo, settling in West Palm Beach, Florida. Now, she’ll be the first of her family to join the United States military. 

“Honestly, I really chose the best academy I could go to," she said. "When I first came here, I was just shocked by the discipline, the volleyball team. It was a culture shock that made me more attracted to it and realize this is the place to be if I want my future to be successful.” 

What You Need To Know

  • Monday was R-Day, or Reception Day, for West Point's Class of 2028 

  • It was the start of a six-week basic training program the incoming freshman class will undertake before classes fully start 

  • The class is made up of cadets from all 50 states and more than a dozen countries 

The day kicks off the start of basic training for the new cadets. After 90 seconds to say goodbye to their family, they’ll learn what it’s like to serve in the Army, take orders and be a part of a team.  

And get a new look – courtesy of the base's barbershop – while they do. 

“The most important thing is just leading from the front and setting the example in the cadet cadre," said Cadet Basic Training Commander Sam Houston. "Doing what's right all the time, being professional in their interactions with them, making sure that they're clear in training and inspiring these new cadets to abide by the Army standard, as well as acculturating them into West Point and following the Army values.” 

Houston, a rising senior, said that he remembered his R-Day was challenging. He failed his first time saluting a cadet. But his hope is to show all of the new cadets that everyone at the Academy is trying to make sure they succeed by challenging them to be their very best. 

“We have been through this experience and we felt those same feelings that these incoming new cadets are feeling and just truly understand that it's our job not just to teach them what the standard is, but to inspire them to feel part of the team," Houston said. 

Kasanganay is excited to start, even if it feels a little scary knowing that in four years, when she’s a commissioned officer, it’ll be all worth it. 

“Just to get through it," she said of her first-day goal. "Honestly, to get to the next sleep, next meal, next workout. Just be on top but also, like, get out of my range. Like, push myself to my limits and pass my limits mostly.”