Claire Osmond attends St. John’s Citadel, N.L., and is a medical student at Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m from St. John’s, N.L., and currently live at home with my parents and younger sister while attending medical school at Memorial University of Newfoundland. I can often be found with a hot latte and my study materials at a local coffee shop.

As a family, we often took road trips, and I developed an appreciation for the natural beauty of Newfoundland and Labrador. I became a passionate hiker and enjoy hiking the East Coast Trail and getting outside whenever I can.

How are you connected to The Salvation Army?

I was dedicated at St. John’s Citadel by Majors Rene and Wanda Loveless, who were the corps officers for my early years there. I enrolled as a junior soldier at age seven and became a senior soldier at 14. As a child, I participated in every program offered, including the singing company, young people’s band, timbrels, Sunday school, youth worship team and youth group. I attended music camp at Camp Starrigan for 10 years as a camper and now enjoy coming back as a faculty member.

I still attend St. John’s Citadel where I often participate as a soloist, lead the youth worship team and serve on the program committee. I also lead worship at our campus church, and coordinate community outreach events.

Since you grew up in the church, when did your faith become your own?

My faith truly became personal during the COVID-19 pandemic. The inability to worship in a corporate setting affected me deeply, and I had to find ways to cultivate my relationship with God on my own. I spent many hours listening to worship music and studying Scripture, which allowed me to learn more about who Jesus is. This experience helped me develop my relationship with God independently, rather than simply participating in activities because my friends or family were involved. I’m grateful for the lessons I learned during this time. Even now that I’m back to corporate worship, I continue to spend quiet time with God, which has been a tremendous benefit in my life.

How has God shown up in your life?

There is no doubt that God has profoundly impacted my life. I have been blessed witha supportive and loving family, and I have always been fortunate to have many positive experiences. In the last two years, God’s presence in my life has become even more apparent.

Growing up, I always dreamed of being a teacher, and I didn’t particularly enjoy science in elementary school. However, when I started high school, I decided to take a Grade 12 biology course in Grade 10 to fulfil my science requirements for graduation. After just a few days in class, I fell in love with learning about the human body, especially topics related to pregnancy and infertility. From that moment, I dreamed of becoming a physician and specifically envisioned working in women’s health.

Throughout high school, I seized opportunities to explore health-care careers, which solidified my desire to become a physician. But I was nervous about the outcome because I wasn’t sure if my aspirations were part of God’s plan. When I learned that I had been accepted to medical school, it was a sign that God is at work in my life. He guides me in my studies and helps me stay grounded when challenges arise.

How do you live out your faith?

Although my schedule is busy with school, I always find time to live out my faith. I am involved in a small group ministry with some close young adult Christian friends. We meet weekly to have biblical and faith-oriented conversations. This group has been an incredible source of encouragement over the years. I also practise my faith through prayer, worship and reading Scripture. As I enter the medical field and interact with patients, I strive every day to embody the character of Jesus—whether that means listening to a patient going through a difficult time or being there for someone in their last moments. I do my best to display the qualities of Jesus in all that I do.

What are your dreams for the future?

One of my biggest dreams is to see youth engaged in The Salvation Army. Many of my closest friendships were made through my involvement in church programs, and they have supported me through thick and thin. I hope that all young people who attend Salvation Army events will be welcomed with open arms and loved for who they are.

Additionally, I dream of a professional medical career. In just over two years, I will be a practising MD, allowing me to combine my passions for human body sciences and caring for vulnerable individuals in my daily life. I aspire to be a physician who takes the time to actively listen to my patients and their families, and I strive to go to work each day (even the difficult ones) with a smile on my face, hoping that something even that simple can help them feel the love of God.