Christine Kay
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Nov 18/02) - Seventeen-year-old Diana Graham has made Squadron 795 Royal Canadian Air Cadets a part of her life for the last six years.

She has recently slipped into the position of commander for her squadron. She said she's learning to balance her authority with her friendships.

"It was weird at first but I got used to it. I wasn't used to people staring at me or listening to me," said Graham.

The hard part was earning the respect of her fellow cadets, especially the older ones. Graham said some people just don't like the fact she's younger and in a higher position. She won't step down though, said it just makes her work harder.

"I've been doing my best. If one of my seniors needs me to get off work and come down to Cadet Hall, I'll do it," said Graham.

Besides being obedient and helpful, Graham also gets to have fun sometimes.

The National Cadet Shooting Competition for army and air cadets is in Iqaluit between April 12-19. Graham is on one team trying to get into the competition.

"I made it onto the team. If we do well, we're going to go to the nationals," she said.

Graham's favourite part of being in cadets is trying new things. She's met people from all over Canada. She learned about aviation and has gone rappelling.

"My legs were shaking but it wasn't so scary the second time I tried it. I probably wouldn't have done it if it weren't for cadets," said Graham.

She dreads turning 19, and having to leave air cadets. She doesn't know exactly what she wants to do yet, but she knows she still wants to be a part of the organization.

Being a civil instructor for the cadets in Iqaluit is appealing to Graham. She said it will let her help out whenever she can.