One of those connections was Peter, a man with roots in Ukraine and a shared dedication to a cause close to both our hearts. When war broke out in Ukraine, Peter answered the call, providing support on the ground. I, too, felt the need to act, serving with the Security Assistance Group Ukraine, working alongside partner nations to help during this crisis.
Our meeting at MEA was more than mere coincidence; it was synchronicity. We found common ground, and our differences allowed us to learn and grow from each other.
During my recent mobilization with the U.S. military, I was proud to stand in support of our great nation, defending its ideals and supporting our allies in their time of need. This experience reinforced a lesson that has become increasingly important to me: the value of showing up for people, causes, and beliefs that matter. Whether it’s on the battlefield, in our communities, or within our personal lives, standing up for what we believe in and supporting others through their struggles creates a ripple effect of strength, solidarity, and hope. The community created during MEA was just as close as living in containers with hundreds of people on deployment.
This has been one of the most profound learning experiences of my life, highlighting the significance of being present for those who need us most. Toward the end of our time at MEA, we participated in a ritual where we each drew a name and gifted the person we selected with a few appreciative words. In an extraordinary twist of fate, Peter drew my name, and I drew his. This moment solidified our bond, but our story didn’t end there.
After returning home, Peter reached out with unexpected news: he had nominated me for the Venari Challenge. This event, organized by Venari Partners, involves a 5-day, 70km journey through the Norwegian fjords—hiking, kayaking, and biking—all to raise awareness and funds for the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), an organization dedicated to suicide prevention.
The challenge, set for September 2024, resonates deeply with me. I’ve known fellow military members, friends, and family who have lost their battles with suicide. The pain of those left behind is a burden that never fully lifts. In 2023 alone, over 700,000 people worldwide were lost to suicide—a somber reminder of the importance of CALM’s mission.
This summer, I was honored to learn that I had been selected as one of eight participants for this year’s challenge. As I prepare for this journey, I’m reminded of how it all began—with a simple email inquiry about MEA’s “Life Begins @50” essay contest. Though I didn’t win, I was a finalist, and instead of heading to Santa Fe, I found myself in Baja, Mexico, at MEA, where I met Peter—a man who shared my commitment to assisting Ukraine, a cause that had consumed me for months. Moments like these make it hard not to feel a divine hand guiding us toward paths that hold true meaning and purpose.
This trek through the Norwegian fjords is more than just a physical challenge; it’s a stand for those who are struggling, a way to offer hope where it’s desperately needed, and a means to support the life-saving work of CALM. Being part of this challenge is an honor, and it reinforces the lessons I’ve learned — knowing who you are, what you stand for, and dedicating yourself to causes that matter.
I invite you to join me in supporting this crucial cause. If you wish to donate to CALM and support my journey, please contribute HERE. Together, we can make a meaningful difference for those who need it most. As Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
Whether it’s CALM, MEA or another cause you deeply care about, as MEA teaches, you have the ability to make meaningful impact in this world, you can continue to grow and thrive, and the best chapters and adventures in your life can still be ahead of you if you make that happen. MEA inspired just that and if you are on the fence attending, I encourage you to do so. It can and will change your life, you will make enduring friendships, and chances are you will change the trajectory of your life for not only yourself but for others.
-Jean
A Captain in the US Navy reserves, Jean Knowles is a US Coast Guard licensed merchant marine deck & engine officer for unlimited tonnage & horsepower steam & diesel vessels. To learn more about Jean, you can find her at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanknowles
