Pushing Forward—Even When the Odds Are Against You

Pushing Forward—Even When the Odds Are Against You

Recently, I received some tough news: my goal of joining the Canadian Armed Forces Cadet Instructor Cadre as an officer may not be possible due to medical concerns. It was a hard pill to swallow. This is something I’ve worked toward with passion and purpose, and hearing that I might not be able to wear the uniform was deeply disappointing.

But I’m not giving up.

I’m actively working to improve my health—through diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. The truth is, unless things change substantially, I may not meet the requirements. And yes, that’s hard to accept. It’s difficult to keep pushing when you know the outcome might not change.

But I’m doing it anyway.

Because even if I don’t make it, this journey is making me stronger. It’s improving my health. It’s teaching me discipline. And most importantly, it’s setting an example for my cadets: that we don’t quit just because the odds are slim. We push forward because the effort itself matters. Because growth happens in the struggle. Because character is built in the face of adversity.

As Nelson Mandela once said:
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

So I’ll keep showing up. I’ll keep working. And I’ll keep believing that even if the goal remains out of reach, the impact of the journey will be worth it.