Overcoming adversity in pursuit of a dream
By Constable Roya Kashani
People and culture
Roya Kashani followed her dream of becoming a Mountie after being inspired by a member in red serge at her citizenship ceremony
Image by RCMP
December 26, 2023
Content
"I've sworn two oaths in my life – the first when I became a Canadian citizen at the age of 9, and another 24 years later as an RCMP officer. Both were life changing, and extremely proud moments for me."
"I was born in Iran and immigrated to Canada with my family in 1990. The transition was difficult, but we created a humble life in Vancouver, and a few years later, were fortunate enough to attend our citizenship ceremony. We officially became citizens of this incredible country on Canada Day."
"What I remember most about that milestone was the overwhelming pride felt not only by my family, but everyone who was in attendance, ready to embark on their journey as Canadians. But next to that was my fascination with the young police officer, dressed in red, standing next to us in our family photo. I remember his smile, his genuine eagerness to be in attendance, and did I mention the stunning uniform? That photo was framed and has been a symbol of accomplishment and pride in my family for decades."
"Not long after, I decided that I wanted to become a police officer. Coming from a war-torn country, my mother wasn't very pleased with my decision, but I was young and impressionable, and she hoped I would change my mind."
Obstacles along the road
"During my university years, I worked as a youth outreach worker, and had the opportunity to liaise with several female RCMP officers. They encouraged me to apply and, in 2014, I was given an offer to attend Depot. I had a great experience and was ready for my posting in Harbour Grace, Newfoundland, but I soon found out that life had other plans for me. About four weeks before graduation, I sustained a complex compound fracture to my ankle. I underwent emergency surgery that involved two metal rods and eight titanium screws. Needless to say, I left the dreams of my RCMP badge behind, and was sent home to start my long road to recovery."
"Three years, two surgeries, and countless medical appointments later, I was once again at Depot, this time posted to Kingston, Nova Scotia. Graduation week was easily one of the most memorable times of my life, and receiving my badge was incredibly emotional. It had taken me two rounds of training, but I was finally a Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer."
A full-circle moment
"Shortly after arriving in Nova Scotia, I reached out to find the RCMP member who was at my citizenship ceremony all those years ago. It didn't take long for us to connect over email and exchange stories, and to share memories with the Mountie who for me started it all!"
"A year later, I volunteered at a citizenship ceremony at Pier 21 in Halifax. It was truly a full-circle moment to attend in my red serge and meet Canada's newest citizens. I made sure to take the framed photo of my own ceremony, and eagerly shared my story with all those in attendance."
"It's moments like these that remind me why I become a Mountie. I was inspired by a young constable, and dreamed of inspiring others and making a difference in my community."
Reflecting on my time with the RCMP
"Over the years, this uniform has tested my strength, both mentally and physically. But it has also taught me to be incredibly resilient, to fight for what is right for myself, and for others. People often call on Mounties when they are at their most vulnerable, or when they are enduring their weakest moments. I truly believe that the test of our ability is how we as members respond to those calls."
"At the end of the day, we're all human. We have families, share the same struggles, and feel the same pain as everyone else. We all want to be safe and make a meaningful and positive contribution to the world we live in. We may not always have the answers, but we're always doing our best to learn and be better as police officers."
