For many young people on the West Shore, cadet programs are all about developing the skills to reach their goals. While there’s no question that some teenage boys and girls gravitate toward army, air or sea cadets because it provides a look at what a career in the military might be like, others come from a variety of different directions.
Some may want to explore a curiosity about sailing or flying, while others are drawn by the opportunity to pursue a musical passion. Whatever the reason, the results are often positive, as underlined by several West Shore youth who have been highlighted in the Gazette recently for the accomplishments they have achieved while members of cadet organizations.
A 17-year-old Colwood student who is planning a career as a paramedic earned an impressive promotion to the rank of cadet regimental sergeant major at the cadet training centre in Vernon. She became not only the first air cadet to be promoted to the rank at that centre, but also the first female in Canada to do so in 15 years.
Another Colwood resident earned a Most Improved Cadet award at the Albert Head Cadet Training Centre last week. His foster parent said she was astounded by the positive changes she’s seen in him in less than two years in Cadets. The 14-year-old boy wants to be an architect.
Two other West Shore teens qualified for courses in Hong Kong and Ontario this summer that will help accelerate their dreams of becoming pilots.
Each of these individuals cited their time in cadets as instrumental in developing skills they believe will enable them to achieve their goals. They all expressed gratitude for the opportunity cadets provide, and all spoke about the unforeseen benefits of travelling to new places.
The world we live in is capable of throwing curveballs at people of all ages at any time, and the teenaged years are particularly perilous and filled with potential pitfalls. While cadets aren’t a cure for all or suitable for everyone, it’s another option parents can consider and explore.
It could simply spark an interest in something that plants the seeds of an eventual career. Or the time invested in cadets may become the kind of turning point parent and child look back on fondly for the rest of their lives.