By Anastasiia Pereimybida
At 35, Barbara made an unusual decision that would change her life forever. Born in the United States, she became a Canadian citizen in 2014 and heard a challenge that would lead to her greatest adventure yet.
"I wanted to be the best Canadian I could be," Barbara remembers. Her journey began on a thunderous Thursday night in March 2016, when she was sworn into the Canadian Armed Forces. "The entire building was dark, with lightning outside," she recalls. "Maybe the universe was trying to tell me something."
Unlike many military recruits, Barbara didn't start young. She walked into the recruiting office just a month after receiving her Canadian passport, telling them, "I'm a brand new Canadian. I would like to join the military." The recruiters were both charmed and slightly surprised.
Her path was not usual, but it was deeply meaningful. From a naval warfare officer to a director of music, and now the executive officer of a sea cadet unit, Barbara has embraced every moment of her service.
"What does it mean to be Canadian?" she would often ask herself. Her answer came through service - by helping young cadets learn life skills, by being present when needed, by representing her country with pride.
A Moment of True Commitment
When asked the ultimate question - if war broke out and Canada called, would she be ready? Her response was quick and unflinching.
"Yes," she said, without a moment's hesitation. "Yes, and then we figure it out as we go. That's part of the adventure."
This is the heart of Barbara's military journey. Not just a job, but a calling. Not just following orders, but making a difference.
Beyond the Uniform
In her civilian life, Barbara works in finance at the Bank of Montreal. But the military has shaped her more than any corporate role ever could. It taught her punctuality, communication, and the true meaning of teamwork.
"In the military, you have to rely on others," she explains. "Literally, there are things you cannot do alone." For someone who once hated asking for help, this was a big and difficult change.
Walking through Toronto in her uniform, Barbara knows she's always on display. People stare, some thank her, some challenge her. But she stands firm, ready to help, always representing something greater than herself.
A Message to Future Servers
To young people considering service, Barbara has a simple message: "We're not mean soldiers. We're just people serving our community." Her story proves that service has no age limit, no single path.
Her journey from an immigrant wondering how to be "Canadian" to a respected military officer is more than a personal story. It's a testament to commitment, growth, and the power of choosing to give back.
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