Every journey starts with one step. How far you go on that journey can be influenced by lots of different factors. Motivation is one of those factors and it can come from anywhere and at any point in your life.
What motivates a person to do anything? Well for some it is the road less travelled. The chance to see different vistas, experience life in a different way or to discover opportunities. For Shema Wright November 2019 was to provide her with the opportunity to experience life through a different lens.
"The REME had a training camp to select players to play for the corps at the inter corps tournament last year. I went along and was delighted to be picked." Shema Wright, Royal Corps of Electrical & Mechanical Engineers (REME)
Shema said: "I decided to join the Army because of the opportunities for travel, playing sport, meeting new people and learning about different cultures."
Joining the Royal Corps of Electrical & Mechanical Engineers (REME) as Vehicle Mechanic she knew nothing about vehicles. This you might think could be a problem however after completing her phase 2 training that soon changed: "After completing my course, my knowledge got wider and the experience was awesome."
"I’m now as a Class 2 Vehicle Mechanic (VM) and every day I work on vehicles. There is always something to be sorted so there's always work to be done."
The Army encourages its personnel to take part in sport, it is a great way to foster teamwork and helps to keep our soldiers fighting fit. Shema’s chosen sport is the fast-paced game of Netball and from the tender age of nine when she started playing, she became obsessed with the sport. Playing for one of the oldest Netball teams in the UK, the Maples Netball Club. That obsession led her to the play for the REME team and then the Army team.
“Earlier this year we played at the inter services and all three Army teams were successful.’ It was a great experience as it was my first inter-services, I was really nervous but I didn't let that stop me from doing what I love." Shema Wright, Royal Corps of Electrical & Mechanical Engineers (REME)
Shema said: "The REME had a training camp to select players to play for the corps at the inter corps tournament last year. I went along and was delighted to be picked."
"After the Inter Corps competition, about 150 were selected to trial for the Army netball team, and again luckily, I was successful at making the development Team where I was part of a leadership group."
Shema’s selection for the Development squad led to her recently being awarded squad player of the season but she has not let that go to her head and remains excited at the prospect of playing and progressing at the top level.
Shema said: "Earlier this year we played at the inter services and all three Army teams were successful.’ It was a great experience as it was my first inter-services, I was really nervous but I didn't let that stop me from doing what I love."
Outside of the Corp and Army team she is currently playing for the FM Eclipse club in Andover which she says is "just for the ‘love and passion’ for the sport. Ultimately, she would like to play for the UK Armed forces team and hopefully one day in netball ‘Super league"
"My family is really supportive. Being so far away from my family is hard, but I know they’re really proud of me. They know that I'm achieving things in my career and doing what I love, that makes things easier." Shema Wright, Royal Corps of Electrical & Mechanical Engineers (REME)
Shema’s journey has been a personal one, but it is not unique. She has developed new skills, news ways of dealing with people and situations. That is what a career in the Armed Forces can do for an individual. What is next for Shema?
Shema said: "I would like to gain as much experience and as many qualifications as possible, both in my job and with the Army as a whole."
"Also, when it comes to sport, I would like to be more involved in managerial positions later in my career."
Shema’s favourite quote is ‘never let good be enough’ and she tries to apply that thought process to everything she does. Her extended family lives on the Caribbean island of St Vincent and the Grenadines and although she misses seeing them on a regular basis she knows they are proud of what she has and will achieve in the future.
Shema said: "My family is really supportive. Being so far away from my family is hard, but I know they’re really proud of me. They know that I'm achieving things in my career and doing what I love, that makes things easier."
"My mom knows once I have a passion for something, I'll work hard to be successful at it."