I am Kendonn John of St Vincent and the Grenadines from the community of Campden Park. I attended the Kingstown Anglican School and went on the the Dr J P Eustace Memorial Secondary School in Edinboro.
I endured many struggles in my young life. My love for my family, sporting family, and school family saw me through a lot. My football coaches, my teachers at school, athletic trainers always encouraged me to be the best that I could be and that kept me above water.
I developed a love for the military in my senior year at school and didn’t think at that time that it would be possible for me to enter and train with a military academy but as God would have it I am here now. No I can say to the younger generation that anything is possible with God first and a determined will to be successful in all you do.
My application for the British Army was successful and it began training on 6th November 2023 and on 22nd February 2024 had our passing out parade.
I received the award for ‘Best Endeavour’ out of a platoon of 38 males, training in the winter. Unable to clearly understand the many different accents though the language is the same proved to be a challenge at times. However, the more I practiced and encountered challenges the better I became. It’s a good feeling when you conquer a challenge so I became one of the best as I improved quickly in training.
It is also not about myself but also about team spirit. We often helped each other with different weaknesses to build strength as a team. It became clear that it didn’t matter where you came from we helped each other to become a better person in life, even someone you didn’t expect you can be.
Joining the British army for me was a great experience and I am thankful for the experience. I always heard my teachers say ‘Experience is the greatest teacher’. I would encourage everyone who wishes to join this noble institution to pursue their dreams of becoming an officer in the military but know that you have to focus on your goal, work hard, and never give up as things are not as easy as they may seem at first. Your first goal is to get in shape and lock your mind on how you can achieve that goal. Start building resilience mentally, spiritually, and physically. Build on your self-esteem so your progress will come with every effort and the negative chatter will not be heard.
To all who have contributed in one way or another for me to accomplish this journey, I am eternally grateful and count myself very best by our crossing paths. May God continue to bless you and your families.