When I first joined Sea Cadets I didn’t really realize the impact it would have on my life. I thought I was joining just an ordinary club – if I may say – for the volunteer hours. Sea Cadets is the opposite of ordinary. I was sworn in with Commander Alan Starr and everyone welcomed me with open arms.

When I first begun I was clueless because even though I had dreams of potentially joining the military I had no idea how to implement things. Sea Cadets disciplined me, helped me grow into a better person, and made me stronger – mentally and physically. They encourage you to do more even when you are sure that you can’t do it anymore. They are always there to pick you up when you fall. Sea Cadets made a difference in my life by inspiring me to serve my country. I want to join the Coast Guard and I want to apply to the Coast Guard Academy and study phycology there.

Sea cadets enforced my fondness for serving this amazing country therefore encouraging me to ponder and explore the benefits that the military has for me. These past few years they have ingrained the core values of honor, commitment, service, and respect and since then I have been using those four core values in my everyday life. Besides teaching important life lessons, they also make sure that you are never alone and always having fun with your friends. In simpler terms, Sea Cadets rewired my whole life. Now I have more opportunities to do greater things.