MTR: Militaristic Travelled Road

The second semester of my first college experience at CMRSJ in St.-Jean-sur-Richelieu has begun and with it has brought a new set of challenges and obstacles. Ones that I would say I am now readily prepared for by the shock of a fast paced change into a military lifestyle. Coming from a quiet, small town community; joining the Canadian Forces has given me a perfect path down a road less travelled.

You know that inkling you get when you go out of your comfort zone? That feeling in your stomach and back of throat that’s saying “Hey kick it back into neutral!”? Well, to me that’s when I know I’m doing something right and taking the LTR because it is also the feeling that makes me feel like I am actually living the way I wanted. Because I am entirely new the military I got the privilege of feeling uncertain and unsure all of the time… and it was great! Not really knowing what was going to come next and only worrying about what was put in front of me was a phenomenal change of pace and a big eye opener in knowing what way I wanted to continue living my life.

Most people think that the military is routine, routine, routine but its not- I would say its more opportunity, opportunity, opportunity. The degree to which things are done at the college has an incredible, motivating energy that allows everyone to work as a team whether it is getting ready for inspections, studying, playing sports, or completing field exercises. Everyone here is a big family and is always willing to help.

Not to say that there hasn’t been a few bumps in the road. The eight hours of class a day and nine classes a semester does become overwhelming at times. I had the unfortunate pleasantries of returning early from Christmas leave to write three supplemental exams that would determine whether or not I stayed in the engineering program. Luckily I passed all three. Along with this there has been a few sleepless nights polishing shoes so the are perfect for inspection standard, but I suppose it’s all just part of the experience and looking back I wouldn’t change it for anything.

On the military side of the college I have had a lot of fun. Learning muay thai, rappelling, physical exercise, travel opportunities, and various briefings on the history and future of the Canadian forces has been some of the greatest things I have ever done. The amount of action that has been packed into one semester here at the college has been crazy and are things that most people will never get a chance to do in their lifetime. I have been blessed.

The more I thought about my experiences here at the college the more I began to think about another experience I had in my life. When I discovered Global Vision it was very similar…almost spooky. The energy within the GV family was paramount and the people involved were always willing to help. GV gave me opportunities and always pushed  me to leave my comfort zone (as I successfully did in travelling to China/Malaysia during the 2010 trade mission). Not to mention my personal favourite and classic GV stunt, pulling an all nighter to finish a report! I often say how Global Vision has played a pivotal role in my life and has helped me develop into a more well-rounded and complete individual. It isn’t until now that I understand the diversity it has to offer and realize that Global Vision can prepare for anything you wish to take on in life, no matter what that is.

My name is Drew Luhowy, I am a proud member of the Canadian Forces and Global Vision made me what I am today. Thank you.