Able Seaman (AB) Yukii Li, whose parents came from Hong Kong, grew up in Toronto surrounded by the arts.
She learned to work with a variety of mediums, including drawing, digital and 3D. She explored many different art forms, but eventually decided to study fashion and made an attempt at a career in the arts.
AB Li did very well in her program and graduated with ease; however, due to a lack of funding, finding a job in the fashion industry was limited and competitive. At that time, her only choice in the field was an unpaid internship.
“I didn't want to be a starving artist,” so I had to make a serious decision about the next chapter of my life,” said AB Li.
AB Li's father introduced her to the idea of the Canadian Armed Forces' (CAF's) Primary Reserve programs. He encouraged her to explore the idea.
“My uncle had been enrolled in the [Royal Canadian Navy] as a medical officer and had a positive experience,” she said. “And my cousin was in the Canadian Army Reserves and deployed to Afghanistan. My family is very proud of his service to Canada.”
In the end, AB Li decided on the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) Primary Reserves because, despite her cousin's stories, she wasn't interested in the Army, but rather enjoys being on the water. For her, the choice was obvious.
“It's the best job I've ever had,” says AB Li after being a member of the RCN for almost four years.
She has been a member of Her Majesty's Canadian Ships Whitehorse, Edmonton,…
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