Third Year Cadets Give Perspective as Semester Draws to a Close
As Cadets write exams and look forward to the Christmas break, e-Veritas asked Third Year Cadets to reflect on their time at the College so far.
“As the 2012 Fall semester draws to an end, the College is truly buzzing with activity. While some students prefer to dedicate their time to staying in all day and night to study, others are taking advantage of their free time to head downtown for a solid night of end-of-semester celebrations. Somehow a poor lonesome turkey got involved in the festivities but he eventually found his way home after considerable deliberation.
As a 3rd year Cadet, I have to admit this is the first time I’ve stepped back from all the commotion and really been able to see the so-called light at the end of the tunnel. After this exam session, I will be over 60% complete my time here at RMC. Although I’m excited to get my degree and commission, it’s also tough knowing that I’ll soon be separated from the friends I’ve made through my 3 years years here at RMC. I told myself in 1st year that everything would be worth it in the end, and I still stand by that by keeping in mind that the unique experience that RMC delivers is unparalleled to anything our country has to offer.” 25937 OCdt (III) Michael Lachance
“I chose to join the Canadian Forces in hopes of a unique experience that would develop my skills and abilities to aid myself and others in times of need. In all honesty I had little knowledge about what RMCC was all about and how the institution worked in taking individuals and developing them into junior officers.
I remember vividly now reflecting on the last three years at the College, my first days of recruit camp, FYOP, obstacle course, badging parade, first Commandants inspection, sports day, 200 days to grade festivities and BMOQ. These are just a few of the aspects of what a Cadet experiences at the College in there first year. In addition, there are many other activities to be a part of including varsity sports, school exchanges, expeditions, and skydiving. I never thought during my first few weeks here that I would have as many opportunities as I have had to develop or to share these with so many great Officer Cadets and military members.
Reflecting back on the past three years of my as a Cadet at RMCC I have experienced and accomplished a lot more than I would have ever thought possible. Three years down the road into being a commissioned officer in the Canadian Forces my perspectives have changed since walking through the arch as the official welcome into the College as a member of RMCC and the CF. Both positive and negative experiences have developed me into the person I am today giving me great pride to be a member of the Canadian Forces, student of RMCC, wife, sister, daughter, and friend. The choice to join has forever changed my life and though there are many obstacles still to overcome I know that I have the foundation to overcome these and succeed. The relationships and experiences in the last three years will forever influence my decisions in the future.
I would like to end with a quotation that has been with me since 1st year by Dr. Seuss, “You have brains in your head, feet in your shoes, you can steer yourself any direction you choose.”” 25959 OCdt (III) Paula Findlater-Haché