Three cadets share leadership lessons in Argentina

Three University of North Georgia (UNG) cadets traveled to Argentina's Colegio Militar de la Nación to celebrate the school's 150th anniversary and take part in a leadership symposium.

Samantha Ethridge, Kalena Welcher and Garett Burke enjoyed the opportunity they had alongside Dr. Billy Wells, a retired Army colonel and UNG's senior vice president for leadership and global engagement, and their cadet counterparts from various other countries.

"We met the top cadets from various military schools around the world and learned about their various perspectives on leadership," said Ethridge, a Roswell, Georgia, native pursuing a degree in psychology. "We made some lifelong friends."

Welcher, a junior from Augusta, Georgia, pursuing a degree in elementary and special education, appreciated her work with a group from seven different countries that spoke five different languages while trading leadership stories. The group then made a presentation in front of the college's entire student body and leadership.

"I really enjoyed learning that though we were from many different countries speaking different languages, we all understood what good leadership was and what to strive for as future officers," Welcher said.

It was the first trip abroad for Burke, a sophomore form Savannah, Georgia, pursuing a degree in criminal justice. His group discussed how to encourage subordinates on the battlefield, a presentation that required research because cadets don't yet have that firsthand experience.

"Our three cadets did an outstanding job," Wells said. "They were embraced by their peers from Argentina and the cadets from other countries, as well."