Our Cadet of the Year Rhiannon, takes the time to introduce herself and answer 20 questions about herself, from her Cadet of the Year goals to her favourite film and career aspirations.
1. Why did you join St John Cymru?
I joined St John Cymru because a friend was a Cadet and she really enjoyed it, I thought I would too. I wanted to be a doctor when I grew up and I was ultimately convinced when my Division were raising money in the local area. Everyone was super friendly and I left feeling so excited.
2. What’s the best part of being a Cadet?
The friends I have made through going to Division and competing each year. It's so great to meet people who have the same ethos as you do.
3. What moment has made you laugh the most during your time as a Cadet?
This is probably one of those "you had to be there" things but at competition training one of the boys decided to try and see how high he could kick his leg up the wall. What happened next was 'You've Been Framed' quality. He falls, with all the grace of a chimpanzee climbing up a greased pole, straight onto his back like an overturned turtle. Moments are fleeting, CCTV is forever.
4. Aside from being named Cadet of the Year, what do you feel has been your biggest achievement during your time at St John Cymru?
Probably getting through to Nationals with my competition team for the last two years. It's made us closer together as a team and we've met some lovely Cadets from competing too.
5. What do you hope to achieve during your time as Cadet of the Year?
I hope to encourage more young people to have as much fun as I have within Cadets and also to try and find a way to allow Cadets from all across the country to meet up with one another.
6. What’s your favourite film?
Ooohhh this is a tough one. My favourite film franchise is the Harry Potter series because I'm a HUGE fan of the books. However, my favourite stand-alone film at the moment is 'The Great Gatsby' since Baz Luhrmann's cinematography in it is amazing and the soundtrack is also very good.
7. Favourite subject at school/college?
English literature. It's very different to my other subjects and, as a bit of a bookworm, it provides a nice break from analysing evidence and content heavy science.
8. How long have you been a volunteer for St John Cymru?
Hmmm, since I was in Year 8 I believe, so probably about four years. It might even be longer. That's just under a quarter of my life so far. Wow.
9. One place you’d like to drive when you’ve passed your driving test?
I'm sure this will come as no surprise to anyone that knows me; I will be driving straight to the Harry Potter Studio tour near London.
10. Dream holiday destination?
I've always wanted to go to Paris. I just think it would be fascinating to go to the Louvre and see 'The Raft of Medusa' and 'Liberty Leading the People' in person. The Parisian architecture is also stunning and I would love some photos from the Palais Garnier. I'm well aware that this isn't making me sound like the coolest Cadet ever
11. One thing you can’t live without?
Music. Everything I do I need to have music playing in the background. The Bridget Jones soundtrack for one is background music of my life.
12. When you’re not volunteering, what’s your favourite thing to do?
I quite like to bake. Whether or not I'm good at it is a completely different story but it's just a fun thing to do that can potentially result in edible food; occasionally.
13. Why did you want to become Cadet of the Year?
I wanted the chance to be able to give back to a community which has given me so many amazing opportunities and skills. I wanted to be able to help Cadets like myself have as much fun as possible at St John through speaking up on issues that affect us and by voicing ideas and changes which will benefit us all.
14. What inspires you the most?
I would like to think I am motivated by the idea of future success that leads to my happiness rather than materialistic things. Seeing that my actions can have positive consequences for others is incredibly inspiring and something that I aim to do more of in the coming year.
15. What’s been the most difficult thing you’ve had to do (inside or outside of SJC) and how did you overcome it?
I think I'm pretty privileged to say that I don't think I've had anything too difficult to deal with in my life so far and for that I'm thankful. I think mine would be deciding whether or not to return to my old school from a new school for sixth form is the hardest decision I've had to make and I overcame it by going what felt right at the time and what would make me the happiest. I think that's probably the best way to go about things generally.
16. What do you want to achieve when you leave school?
When I leave sixth form I would like to study medicine and become an A&E consultant because I want to help as many people as I possibly can and hopefully make a positive difference in my lifetime.
17. What’s the first thing you’d like to achieve as Cadet of the Year?
As Cadet of the Year, the first thing I would like to achieve is to meet as many people and to go to as many Divisions as possible to speak to young people about what they currently enjoy and what they would potentially like to get the most out of during their time at St John.
18. Favourite artist right now?
Either Taylor Swift or Marina. I love that they both have a wide range of songs within their collections so they suit all kinds of moods.
19. Describe yourself in three words
Ambitious, Creative and Tenacious
20. Name one thing people might not know about you
I can name the 50 American states alphabetically and under a minute. No idea why or how I learnt to do this.