From joining to leading
I joined Civil Air Patrol in October 2022. I now serve as a Cadet Second Lieutenant and Flight Commander, and I've mentored more than 45 cadets. More than 10 have moved into leadership roles.
Turning a need into a curriculum
Many cadets were nervous about speaking in front of people. I designed an eight-week leadership curriculum focused on public speaking, presentations, teamwork, and cadet development.
As Flight Commander and previously Flight Sergeant, I've led flight training, coordinated cadet activities, and taught drill, discipline, and leadership fundamentals. Those responsibilities made me think about the example I set as well as the instructions I give.
For me, leading means helping other people get better.
Communication is part of preparation
The eight-week curriculum grew out of something I had noticed: cadets could be willing to contribute and still feel nervous presenting to a group. Public speaking, presentations, and teamwork belonged together because leadership asks people to communicate as well as perform a task.
My own responsibilities included coordinating activities, leading flight training, and teaching drill and military customs. Mentoring made me look beyond the immediate activity to the person learning it.
Milestones along the way
At Connecticut Wing Encampment, I earned top-two recognition among 400 cadets. I also earned the Billy Mitchell Award. Those milestones matter to me, alongside the opportunity to help other cadets develop.
Where healthcare interests
meet business leadership.
On FBLA's executive board, I help direct community service initiatives and campaigns, and contribute to chapter planning and presentations. The role gives me another way to practice organizing people and turning plans into action.
I placed second in Connecticut in Human Resource Management and Healthcare Administration at the State Leadership Conference, then qualified for and attended the National Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Texas.
2nd place · Human Resource Management
2nd place · Healthcare Administration
National Leadership Conference
Qualified and attended · San Antonio, TX
FBLA connects with my interests in healthcare and entrepreneurship: understanding a field also means thinking about how teams, organizations, and decisions affect what can be accomplished.
National Honor Society
As a National Honor Society committee chair, I help organize donation drives, campaign promotion, student engagement, and peer tutoring. It gives me another setting to connect leadership with service.