Growing into leadership – From shy Year 7 to Cadet officer

Lachlan Freeman rose to the highest rank of CUO in Cadets and cites the program as the key to his personal growth, helping him build leadership skills as well as friendships. 

At first he found it “slightly daunting and challenging”, especially the experience of camping out, and he considered himself to be on the shy side when he started at Trinity in Year 7. 

“However, I came to really appreciate Cadets when I was able to take up leadership roles which allowed me to build connections with students in the younger years and practise my leadership skills,” he said. 

“Cadets was something I began to look forward to each Wednesday and the camps became highlights of my terms. 

“Over time, with the connections and mates around me, my schooling was a great experience, and the people made it tenfold better. 

“The people at Trinity are all very supportive, I was able to make great connections with mates and with teachers in the later years. Even the people you don’t know on a personal level in your year are there to support you.” 

He advises fellow students to get good study habits started in Year 11. 

“That’s the best time to get your time management and study skills panned out so you don’t have to place stress on yourself later. Spend that year laying down the foundation and don’t be too stressed if you don’t get the marks you want in Year 11. 

“Then in Year 12, go all out and leave nothing behind. You don’t want to look back with regrets and ifs or buts. And even if you don’t happen to get the mark you wanted throughout Year 12, look at it as an opportunity to bounce back and improve on that score next time. “It’s the last year of school so just put in the hard yards and enjoy it with your mates.” 

His favourite subjects were PDHPE, Biology and Business Studies. 

He said he had a habit of catastrophising his study struggles. “If I kept pushing myself to complete difficult work I would make situations seem much worse to me than they are.” 

His solution was to step away for a break, talk to teachers, family, and friends, go for a walk, watch TV or spend time with his younger brother. 

He also enjoyed the creative change of working as a freelance graphic designer. 

“I didn’t try to force myself too much, because that would just lead to stress.” 

The friendships he made at the Year 9 Field Studies camp were important, too, lasting for the remaining years at school and beyond. 

He hopes to become a physiotherapist or run a business.