Aaron Cheung: Sea Cadets

As a freshman, Aaron Cheung had plans to join the military after he graduated high school. While his plans have since changed, his pursuit towards his initial goal caused him to join the United States Naval Sea Cadets Corps, a Navy sponsored youth developmental program. During his time as a Sea Cadet, Cheung has learned many different life skills that aren’t traditionally taught in the classroom, such as the use of firearms or knives. “You learn to be safe with a lot of things that would be unsafe or otherwise,” he said. But further than the material skills, being a Sea Cadet has taught Cheung how to be a better leader and role model. “The biggest thing I’ve gotten out of this (experience) is not being a leader but being a mentor to leaders,” he said. “I’ve talked with people who are learning to become better petty officers (officers