When I first joined the Cadet movement six years ago, I could not possibly imagine the incredible impact that it would have on my life. Much like many other twelve year olds at the time, I am fairly certain that my parents played a large roll in my initial “interest,” but after getting my feet wet, I found that there was much more to the sea cadet program than I could ever have imagined.

I don’t even have to hesitate when I say that my experience with 40 RCSCC Falkland, and sea cadets in general, has completely changed my life. When I first started to parade at Dows Lake I was a very shy, introverted kid. Cadets changed this very quickly; it helped me to make new friends, experience new things, and most importantly, challenge myself. Cadets provides everyone with ample opportunities to test their limits, and encourages individuals to push themselves to go beyond what they previously thought they were capable of. I personally believe that the feeling I get from conquering these many personal challenges is the reason why I have stayed with cadets for so long; it is truly an amazing feeling to accomplish something that you never thought you would be able to do.

Having been in charge of the band at my unit for three years, promoted to the cadet sergeant major position for the military bands at Blackdown Cadet Summer Training Centre, and more recently, receiving the Coxswain position at my corps, I have no problem saying that cadets has changed me from a shy, quiet individual, into a confident, and proud leader. The life skills I have learned from this program also reflect on my home and school life; I now receive good grades, was elected co-president of my school, and graduated as the Valedictorian.

Cadets, and the values and lessons learned from it, have easily been one of the most influential factors in my life throughout my teenage years, and have shaped me into who I am today.