Posted by Lieutenant Commander Vanessa Lofton (Counselor) in Counselor’s office - Cadet Aaron Williams check-in
<snip>

The cadet finished his coffee and put it on the near table. “Well, right now, I’m still discovering the Challenger and his crew, so I haven’t met other musicians yet”, he said. “And so, I’m playing solo, in my room. But even if I found other musicians, I won’t be able to play with them. I still have some progress to make before playing in a quartet.”

Cadet Aaron Williams

Vanessa shrugged. “It couldn’t hurt to practice together. Team building, socializing, it’s good stuff.” She sipped her cocoa before continuing.

“When you are in a group setting - outside of music - what role do you tend to fall into?”

Lt. Cmdr. Lofton - CNS
Aaron tried to remember his days of medical license: “Well… First, I don’t think I am a leader. If need, I could lead a group without problems. But I think I would be the one that tries to help the group as much as he could. Guess I would be the mediator of the group.”

“And I think that’s why I’ve chosen the medical path. I like to help people, even if I don’t have to.”

Cadet Aaron Williams

Vanessa smiled softly. “It’s a wonderful calling, and I think you’ll do well at it.”

She considered the rest of his answer. “Would you like to work on your leadership skills?”

Lt. Cmdr. Lofton - CNS

Aaron took a moment to think about it. “Not really”, he then said. “It’s not about my leadership skills, but I think it would be because I don’t like responsibilities, which could sound strange for someone who wants to be a doctor. How could I say… I trust my knowledge when it comes to a medical problem, and so I can handle the responsibilities that come with it. But leading a team or a crew is far more complex than just a patient, and that’s why I don’t really like to be a leader.”

Cadet Aaron Williams