"Volunteering is a must for every youngster. What we gain as a volunteer can never be compared with a job, “says Gurtej Sohal, nominated as the Young Citizen of the year in 2018.
Mr Sohal has been conferred by St John Ambulance South Australia as the District Cadet of the Year Award in June 2018 and went up to win the State Cadet of the Year in August 2018 which was bestowed to him by the Governor of South Australia- Hieu Van Le. 
Originally from Chandigarh, Mr Sohal moved to Australia with his family when he was just eleven-years-old. Now 18, the youngster has become an inspiration for many as he juggles between academics and volunteering.
Cadet Gurtej Sohal Source: Supplied
The teenager gives importance to time management skills and advises fellow students to prioritize the activities important for them to strike the right balance.
As part of St John Ambulance South Australia and Australian Air Force cadets, Mr Sohal did not let his studies get affected as he scored an ATAR of 97.55.
Mr Sohal has been a cadet for four years with St John Ambulance South Australia Campbelltown, as well as a cadet with 601 Squadron Keswick of the Australian Air Force Cadets Division for the last three years.
Even though he wasn't born here, the youngster says he has always been supported by his peers which helped him lead the squadron with cadets from different backgrounds. He says the selfless work seen from a junior all the way to an adult volunteer, inspired him to join both organisations as a volunteer. 
Mr Sohal was appointed as the 2018 squadron warrant officer and was the recipient of the 2018 commanding officers trophy at the Australian Air Force Cadets.
Gurtej Sohal recognised for his volunteer work Source: Supplied
In addition, the industrious teenager was also selected as the student ambassador for Oaktree (an organisation with an aim to end world poverty) for 2018.
Having a feat of achievements at a young age, Mr Sohal says" Hard work and persistence pays in the longer run."
"We may get demotivated at some stage but in the end, we emerge as a winner, if we stick to our goal."
Mr Sohal now aims to join the Royal Australian Air Force as an officer after completing his law degree and believes one must" keep pushing and aim for the stars. “
