Commitment and Breadth
In Grade Nine, I was quiet in terms of involvement in the school and community. Although I was academically accomplished, I struggled to get out of my comfort zone. Being a recruit in the Cadets program was an meaningful experience that awarded me with enrichments in life and taught me the meaning of commitment on three different levels.
The beginning of my Cadets career was full of moments of embarrassment. Due to my fast track and lack of necessary recruit training, I was intimidated by other cadets' confidence in drills and commands and unapproachability. I dreaded going to weekly training and wanted to give up numerous times. My mother, although opposed strongly at first, finally gave in after a long time of argument. This long-waited moment was unexpectedly heartbreaking for me; for the first time, my mother was disappointed in the child, whom she had always bragged about for succumbing to obstacles so easily. That night, I was determined to not only attend the program but excel at it. At this level, commitment meant not letting down my parents.
Upon hearing about the opportunity, I voluntarily joined the marching band of my squadron, hoping this involvement would help me through the program. However, another challenge struck. As a beginner flute player, I had trouble with the mouth techniques and could not play the music in tune with the rest of the band. Determined to master the parade songs before the band competition at the end of the year, I sacrificed my spare time on the weekends and march break practiced the flute with the help with a professional flutist. Nearly after a semester, I was able to produce the band music. Even more importantly, I witnessed a boost in my confidence. At this level, I learned that achievement results from continuous commitment, big or small.
Seeing my quick improvement on the instrument, my band members embraced me into their family open-heartedly. As expected, my involvement in the band which enabled me to reinforce on my drills and marching and familiarize myself with an exclusive group of experienced cadets during the additional band practices. More importantly, I started initiating in the program by participating in various celebration parades, leading a group of younger recruits with their rough starts.
A month before the band competition, the rest of the band and I spent endless hours at band practices perfecting the routine, rain or shine. Dressed in Arcterylx rain jackets and using charcoal hand warmers, metallic instruments in hand, the band marched in an empty field in East Vancouver in the pouring rain for seven hours during the Victoria Day weekend. At this moment, 36 of us forgot individuality and strived to win pride for our beloved squadron. At this moment, I learned that commitment is like the roots of a tree, the engine of a car and the staircase to go up; commitment is a responsibility to fully extracted your efforts and time into achieving yourself, or achieving the group. As a result, our efforts were distinguished with a silver ribbon at the Pacific Region March Band Competition. To a new squadron, this award was a tremendous way to start.
Even after my family moved to Toronto, I continued pursing the Cadets program. My two-and-half year in this program allowed me to acquire important life skills. The program offered me numerous opportunities to improve on my public speaking, resolve conflicts under difficult circumstances, and construct my positive attitude. Most importantly, this program has rewarded me spirit of perseverance and commitment that will motivate me continuously during moments of quitting.
In Grade Nine, I was quiet in terms of involvement in the school and community. Although I was academically accomplished, I struggled to get out of my comfort zone. Being a recruit in the Cadets program was an meaningful experience that awarded me with enrichments in life and taught me the meaning of commitment on three different levels.
The beginning of my Cadets career was full of moments of embarrassment. Due to my fast track and lack of necessary recruit training, I was intimidated by other cadets' confidence in drills and commands and unapproachability. I dreaded going to weekly training and wanted to give up numerous times. My mother, although opposed strongly at first, finally gave in after a long time of argument. This long-waited moment was unexpectedly heartbreaking for me; for the first time, my mother was disappointed in the child, whom she had always bragged about for succumbing to obstacles so easily. That night, I was determined to not only attend the program but excel at it. At this level, commitment meant not letting down my parents.
Upon hearing about the opportunity, I voluntarily joined the marching band of my squadron, hoping this involvement would help me through the program. However, another challenge struck. As a beginner flute player, I had trouble with the mouth techniques and could not play the music in tune with the rest of the band. Determined to master the parade songs before the band competition at the end of the year, I sacrificed my spare time on the weekends and march break practiced the flute with the help with a professional flutist. Nearly after a semester, I was able to produce the band music. Even more importantly, I witnessed a boost in my confidence. At this level, I learned that achievement results from continuous commitment, big or small.
Seeing my quick improvement on the instrument, my band members embraced me into their family open-heartedly. As expected, my involvement in the band which enabled me to reinforce on my drills and marching and familiarize myself with an exclusive group of experienced cadets during the additional band practices. More importantly, I started initiating in the program by participating in various celebration parades, leading a group of younger recruits with their rough starts.
A month before the band competition, the rest of the band and I spent endless hours at band practices perfecting the routine, rain or shine. Dressed in Arcterylx rain jackets and using charcoal hand warmers, metallic instruments in hand, the band marched in an empty field in East Vancouver in the pouring rain for seven hours during the Victoria Day weekend. At this moment, 36 of us forgot individuality and strived to win pride for our beloved squadron. At this moment, I learned that commitment is like the roots of a tree, the engine of a car and the staircase to go up; commitment is a responsibility to fully extracted your efforts and time into achieving yourself, or achieving the group. As a result, our efforts were distinguished with a silver ribbon at the Pacific Region March Band Competition. To a new squadron, this award was a tremendous way to start.
Even after my family moved to Toronto, I continued pursing the Cadets program. My two-and-half year in this program allowed me to acquire important life skills. The program offered me numerous opportunities to improve on my public speaking, resolve conflicts under difficult circumstances, and construct my positive attitude. Most importantly, this program has rewarded me spirit of perseverance and commitment that will motivate me continuously during moments of quitting.
