My application to become a United States Naval Sea Cadet
One month before my thirteenth birthday, on August 22nd, 2015, I applied to become a United States Naval Sea Cadet. These past four years, I have participated in the most irregular activities. I learned how to drive a World War II ship, repel, cook, build an underwater remote operated vehicle, navigate using paper charts and a sextant, fly a plane, lobby in the House of Representatives, and drive a submarine. Each of these activities has one commonality, the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps. The nationwide trainings sponsored by the Corps gave me a reason to travel the country visiting states I never would have. I trained in Louisiana, Connecticut, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Rhode Island. It was also through this program that I became certified in food handling, first aid, and rescue ropes operations. Most importantly, however, the Corps introduced me to my closest friends and mentors.
Frankly, this community gave me the confidence I have today. I can recall reading my evaluation sheet from boot camp. I had exceeded my Division Officer’s expectations in nearly every category. However, at the very bottom of my evaluation, in the comment section, she wrote, “Cadet Macalanda is a great Cadet, but she lacks confidence.” This information was not new to my family nor me. I had always been shy, and people had always told me as much. Nevertheless, her feedback has stuck with me ever since.
I did not know what I could do to boost my confidence until the Cadet leaders at my home unit pushed me into leadership positions so that I had no choice but to take on more responsibilities and lead. They knew I would never have pursued a leadership role on my own. Without them, I do not think I would feel as confident as I do now in myself as wells as my ability to one day join the Navy. The United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps gave me the confidence to pursue my dream job with the belief that I will succeed in the military community.
I have only seen my boot camp Division Officer once since boot camp. I was worried that she would not remember me, but she did as did one of my Cadet supervisors from boot camp. Both were glad to see that, at the time, my confidence in myself was beginning to grow. Seeing them again and hearing them say that encouraged me even more to continue working to develop my confidence.
I owe everything not only to them but to the entire Naval Sea Cadet Corps. Therefore, as I prepare to age out of the program, I hope to continue working with the Sea Cadets as an adult volunteer. I aspire to provide younger generations with the opportunity to have similar experiences to mine and possibly meet their closest friends. I want them to have the knowledge and ability to discover and pursue their interests.