Tell us about your area of interest or specialisation.
What do you love doing? What co-curricular activity are you passionate about?
I love doing Sea Cadets. It is a lot of fun and I am very passionate about is since it has helped me gain countless skills.
When and how did you first get interested in this activity?
Was there a particular moment or person that inspired you?
I started Sea Cadets when I was 10 years old. It was my mum who encouraged me to join since she and I thought it would be a perfect fit and I will gain invaluable skills. When I had my induction day, I found it exhilarating.
What have you achieved so far in this area?
I have won the Best Junior Sea Cadet of the Year award this year. I was awarded all of the four main badges – one for knowing about my unit at Sea Cadets; one for water sports (since we do kayaking, rowing and sailing); one for engaging in my community and, finally, one for outdoors when we go outside and go on walks and many other things.
At what levels have you participated?
I attended the Remembrance Parade last year at the Woking town centre. I also attended the Junior Cadet Summer Camp which was earlier this year which was stimulating, educational and great fun.
What challenges have you faced in pursuing this interest, and how did you overcome them?
It has taught me important time management skills, since I need to be there at 19:00 every Monday and this is after a full day at school! One of the things that we do at Sea Cadets is kayaking, which was totally new to me. It presented a steep learning curve for me because we had to learn the skills on the go. When I did kayaking for the first time I found it quite challenging and difficult but, after the first few attempts, I was able to.
Who has supported or inspired you the most on this journey?
The person who has supported me the most is my mum as she was the one who brought up the idea to join the Sea Cadets. Throughout my time at Sea Cadets she has helped me a lot. She goes with me every time and encourages and supports me in many ways.
7. What do you enjoy the most about this activity?
I enjoy that every year during the summer we get to go take the kayaks or the big rowing boats out and we get to do fun activities in the water. I find water activities thrilling and exciting. I want to be able to do this independently and with my family and that motivates and drives me to accomplish to the best of my abilities.
How do you manage your time between academics and this co-curricular interest?
To be honest, it is quite challenging for me and my family. I have to prioritise and organise my activities. My mum helped me draw up a schedule, for instance, every Monday I go for early dinner before attending my piano lesson and after that I go to Sea Cadets.
What are your future goals related to this interest?
My goal is to win the ‘Commodores Pennant’ which is the highest award I can get as a junior Sea Cadet. I would like to continue it as a passion and see where it leads me.
What advice would you give to other students who want to explore this field?
I would encourage to join early as a junior as you will then have more experience when you become a senior cadet. You get to do lots of fun water related activities which otherwise are not easily accessible. You will learn self-discipline, which is an important lifelong skill.
Share a memorable experience related to this activity.
When I joined as a junior cadet, initially, it was daunting. But the team was encouraging and helped me immensely. When I made some friends, I was overjoyed.
Is there anything else you’d like us to know about your journey?
I feel I started a chain reaction and encouraged many more students to join the Sea Cadets. Shortly after I joined, another 10 more students signed up. Most of them encouraged and introduced by me.
I am so grateful when when my little brother and my mum go with me to Sea Cadets – even on rainy and cold days.
