By: Ghazal Fatima

Military service was the first thing on Barbara Hodder's mind when she gained Canadian citizenship. Many immigrants arrive in Canada hoping for a better life. After having established herself in her new country, she knew she wanted to give back in a meaningful way. Her decision to join the military was not only compelled by a sense of duty but also because she deeply appreciated the country that had welcomed her.

After becoming a Canadian citizen, Hodder knew that joining the military would allow her to contribute to the nation that had given her so much. “After gaining my citizenship, I went to the recruiting office, and I said I would like to join the military”. She further says, “I felt a deep responsibility to give back to Canada. Joining the military was my way of serving the country, protecting its people, and making a difference”. It was more than just finding a job; it was committing herself to something much bigger than herself.

However, as Hodder began her career in the military, she quickly noticed that many people had misunderstandings about military personnel. One of the most common misconceptions was that military members were rude or distant. "Sometimes people think we are unfriendly or non-interactive, but that's not the case. We love to interact" she explains. We are trained to stay focused, disciplined, and prepared, which can sometimes come across as serious or distant. But in reality, we are just doing our jobs, but we love to talk to people about everything."

This is a misunderstanding that Hodder comes across on a regular basis. Most people don't understand what military life is all about and the amount of focus it requires. Military personnel are trained to always be alert and ready to act at any moment, which sometimes makes them appear more withdrawn or serious. Hodder highlights, however, that this does not mean they are being discourteous; it only means the job they have at hand demands that kind of mindset. "Our job requires us to be prepared at all times, and make sure that everyone is safe," she says.

Being in the military also means taking on additional responsibilities, especially when in public places. Members are usually seen in the public eye, and where there is visibility, good representation becomes a duty as well, not only for themselves but also for the military and their country. "When we are out in public, there is an expectation of what we have to do-be respectful and honorable," says Hodder. "Even when not on duty, we have a sense of responsibility that we're representing our nation and our military.”

To Hodder, there's an implied sense of responsibility that goes with military life. She realizes her actions - uniformed or not - mean more. This sense of duty motivates her to always strive to be the best version of herself as a soldier and as a person. "We are always on duty, even when we're not actively working," she explains. "That means we have to carry ourselves in a way that reflects the values of the military and the country we serve."

Hodder's commitment extends beyond the military itself to a yearning to make a difference for the people she serves. "My goal is to help people and make a difference," she says. “I think that I can be the best Canadian by serving others around me and giving back to my community and being a good example for young people.”

And for Hodder, serving the people of Canada is the best reward there is in her entire career. She knows her role in the military is crucial for the country's safety and security, and that is a great satisfaction, knowing she is doing her part. "Serving the country and its people is the most meaningful aspect of my job," she says. "It's what keeps me motivated, and it's why I continue to push myself to be the best soldier I can be.”

Throughout her career, Hodder has faced challenges, but never once she regretted her decision of joining the military. She says, “There were some junctions in my career where I thought, Do I really want to do this anymore and I weighed the pros and the cons and I decided to stick with this with hope and determination to serve the country. She keeps steadfastly focused on her goals and firmly committed to a desire to serve the people. It's a story of dedication, toughness, and a deep-seated sense of duty, one which reflects the very spirit of military service: to place others before oneself, serving one's country with pride and honor.