242 Ross Ferguson Air Cadets Warrant Officer First Class Mithra Chothia’s Message
As we roll into another outstanding training year we have had many updates since our last parade night. At our most recent Annual Review Ceremony, Mithra Chothia was awarded the position of Warrant Officer First Class 242 Ross Ferguson Air cadets. This is the highest rank one can achieve and it is a great honor to be awarded.
Chothia joined the Cadets because he had siblings in the program. He says that “It was not something I personally wanted to do at first, back then, I never really knew the impact it could have on someone”. WO1 Chothia decided he would try Cadets out, as it was only one night a week, and was not a huge commitment. Over time he realized how much the Cadet Program had to offer and how much he could gain from the program. “It gave me structure, purpose, and it pushed me to grow in ways I never would have expected,” he said. He also stated “What started as something just once a week became one of the most important parts of my life, with me leading others at least 3 times a week.” WO1 Chothia is the newest Warrant Officer First Class of 242, and among other cadets, he has been inspired and influenced by the past WO1’s of our squadron. Wo1 Chothia says that every one of the WO1 that led him have influenced his career as a Cadet, but none has been as impactful as our past Chief Retired Warrant Officer First Class Margaret Hood. He, like most Cadets speaks very highly of Retired WO1 Hood, as demonstrated by this quote “She didn’t just hold the position with authority. She truly mentored me and took the time to personally guide me, push me, and help me grow as both a Cadet and as a leader. It wasn’t just about giving orders; it was about investing in people”. WO1 Chothia says that he aspires to be like Retired Wo1 Hood. He wants to be someone who leads by empowering others and leaves their Cadets in a better position than they found them. WO1 Chothia is already shaping up to be an amazing Chief and the training year has just begun. There is no doubt that this year's cadets are going to be greatly impacted by WO1 Chothia’s enthusiasm, commitment and goal to have all cadets succeed.
The Cadet program teaches Cadets many important life skills and lessons that will benefit them with their future careers. WO1 Chothia says that the most important lesson that he has learned in Cadets is “Being in a higher position than others doesn’t mean you should be the loudest person in the room; it means inspiring others and empowering them to be the best version of themselves. True leadership is about lifting others, making sure they feel capable on their own, and helping them find their confidence and skills”. When WO1 Chothia was asked what his message to all the Cadets in 242 was, his words of wisdom were “Don’t wait to be ready, or you’ll be waiting forever. The cold water doesn't get any warmer if you wait to jump in.” You grow while you’re in it. I used to think I had to be perfect before I could take on a new opportunity, but that’s not true. Take the chances you get, even if you’re nervous. The program gives back exactly what you put into it, so push yourself, stay consistent, and stay humble. You’ll be surprised at how far you can go.”
We at 242 are extremely lucky to have yet another dedicated Warrant Officer to lead and inspire all of the Cadets. WO1 Chothia will instill confidence in the Cadets so that they can succeed in the future whether that is with Post Secondary Education, with a career or with everyday life. There is no doubt in anyone's mind that Warrant Officer First Class Mithra Chothia will lead our squadron with confidence, compassion and enthusiasm.
By Sergeant Elizabeth Smith.
