Gaining Confidence in the Sea Cadet Corps

As a First Sea Lord Cadet, Emma from Inverness represents the views of nearly 15,000 cadets across the country. But when she joined at the age of ten, Emma was painfully shy. Read about her story.

Emma says:

“When I joined, I had close to no confidence. I was unable to speak to any adults and found it extremely challenging to approach fellow cadets. From the moment I joined, I was taken under the wings of staff and, although quiet, I was automatically able to feel a part of a team.”

Being alongside friends, especially in drill situations, helped Emma gain the self-belief she needed.

“Marching in a parade allowed me to develop confidence at my own pace. I was able to stand up in front of so many people to showcase the squad’s skills that I was proud of.”

Emma eventually led the squad and represented Sea Cadets in the National Remembrance Parade at London’s Cenotaph last year. She is now a hard-working leader, among her friends in Inverness and nationally as a First Sea Lord Cadet, escorting the First Sea Lord himself and accompanying Royal guests at the Mountbatten Festival of Music.

“I take moments to remember what I was like and seeing myself now as a First Sea Lord Cadet, I have achieved so much more than I could ever have dreamed of. Sea Cadets helped me develop into the confident strong individual that I am now, I can’t thank them enough.”

Emma now hopes to become a Drill Instructor but has seen that confidence blossom into other areas, having also gained qualifications in powerboating and rowing.