Fiona Short
33-year-old Fiona is a paediatric nurse, a lecturer at an FE college and also a mother. She was a cadet in her teens and returned to the ACF three years ago as an Adult Instructor.
How do you fit in being a volunteer with all your other commitments?
I think you've got to make time for yourself and the activities you enjoy. If you enjoy doing it, it's not a problem fitting it all in.
What new skills have you gained as a volunteer?
Being in the ACF gives you more confidence. My job means that you have to have good time management and all-round management skills, but being in the ACF definitely improves on them.
How did you become a volunteer?
It was something I had been planning on doing for a long time but just didn't get round to it. I decided to look on the website one day, registered my details and it all went from there.
What kind of activities do you get to take part in?
The cadets get to do lots of varied activities: sports, citizenship activities and we are heavily involved in The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, which is good for their development. The courses aren't just limited to the cadets; we get to do them as well. I'm fortunate enough to have been involved in adventurous training courses and sports courses that provide you with qualifications so it's been really good.
What has been your favourite memory so far?
I can't honestly pick just one because I have enjoyed every minute up to now.
"The courses aren't just limited to the cadets; we get to do them as well."
