A Wooler resident and member of the cadets says she is able to grow and continue her aspirations of being an aerospace engineer, after she and her family fled from the war in the Ukraine.
“I think that’s played a really significant role in settling down in Canada, or even me finding friends, my personal growth, because they have a lot of good programs,” Anna Syrovatska tells Quinte News after being asked about being with the Cadets.
“I think without the cadet program, I would not be where I am right now.”
Syrovatska and her family fled from Crimea in 2013 and Ukraine just a few years ago, after Russia launched military offensives.
Her step-brother, Sergei, fought for the Ukrainians during the war. He died in September 2022.
She says her step-brother as well as her father’s service in the military inspired her to join the Cadets.
“That was his sacrifice,” Syrovatska said.
“I wish to work for the military to keep my future country safe so it doesn’t happen, like in my home country.”
Syrovatska says losing her step-brother in war has been difficult, but she’s grateful for her family for leaving to avoid the violence.
“It was very difficult, especially for my parents, since they have made all the difficult but important decisions.”
“My two siblings and I, we just had to get used to going to school and find friends, learn the language, but it was very difficult to leave friends and family behind.”
She says there are times when she misses what she once knew.
“I miss my relatives the most because of family back home and the connections I’ve made, the church, the memories.”
“I know that if I returned, it would not be the same.”
Since settling down, Syrovatska says she has been able to enjoy the scenic and natural beauty that Canada has to offer.
She says that joining the Cadets has been fulfilling and that her siblings will also soon be joining.
It is now off to the University of Windsor, where she will be studying Aerospace Engineering
We asked her if she would recommend joining the cadets.
“I think it’s a really good opportunity to grow, to make friends, and to practice your leadership. They also provide really good opportunities in terms of summer courses and summer camps that we did. I would definitely recommend it.”
