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Counsellor's office - Cadet Tom Little check in

Posted Aug. 11, 2021, 7:34 p.m. by Cadet Tom Little (Scientist) (Tom L)

Posted by Commander Vanessa Lofton (Executive Officer) in Counsellor’s office - Cadet Tom Little check in
<snip>

“It’s definitely a glitch.” Tom sighed, “The instructor in charge told us the quickest way to find out cadets who have or have not, was to put them in a situation like that. Before further training, the instructor wanted to get rid of the unqualified as soon as possible.”

“I’ve learned the weight on the shoulder that a leader may carry during the service.” He continued, “Honestly, I thought about joining her, but someone had to remember a story like that and carry on.”

Cadet Little

Vanessa made a mental note to have a word with that instructor, and not a very nice one. “Well, I’m glad you’ve stuck around.” She finished off her cocoa and set the mug aside.

“What areas do you want to focus on improving during your time here on Challenger?” she continued on.

Lt. Cmdr. Lofton - CNS

“Emotional fitness, I think.” Tom sipped the last drop. “I tend to compare myself to others and then self-beating up. It’s a personality I don’t want to develop.” He smiled. “Any advice for me?”

At least that was feedback from the past training. Cadets were evaluated by the instructors, but sometimes by their fellow plebes at the end in small groups. Things covered from leadership traits, comments, and suggested course of actions in their opinions. The pro was, this process gives points from other perspectives. And the con was, there’re not many things to hide.

Cadet Little

Vanessa mulled his question briefly, shifting on the sofa. “We’re all our own biggest critics,” she settled on. “How we do compared to others is not the be-all, end-all - personal improvement and progress should be our goal,” she told him. “Do better than we did yesterday.” She paused for a moment before she continued.

“And realize you wouldn’t be here if many, many people didn’t already think you deserved to be here. From the entrance exam proctors, to the Academy psychiatrists, to your class instructors, there are checkpoints all along the way, and you’ve proved yourself worthy of joining the ranks of Starfleet. This,” she gestured about, indicating the Challenger, “is just on-the-job training,” she finished with a smile.

“Our time is just about up here,” she said, eyes flicking to the chrono on the wall. “What questions do you have for me?”

CNS Lofton

Oh, that could be a message from the recruiting office. Or a book title. I must make a note after this, do better than yesterday, do better… “Very inspiring.” Tom smiled. He looked at the wall at the same time and said, “No questions at this time. That’s a nice painting by the way.”

Cadet Little


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