Embarking on a DNA Voyage: Discovering the Barrier Legacy through iGENEA
Family name Barrier
How a DNA test by iGENEA transformed a simple curiosity about the Barrier lineage into illuminating insights into their history, thereby changing and enhancing the understanding of my own identity.
When I began my ancestral journey with iGENEA, I was merely seeking my origins. The goal was simple and somewhat superficially oriented towards satiating my curiosity regarding the Barriers, my lineage. I wanted insights, stories, histories - anything that would tell me where I came from and how the Barriers journeyed through time. The package offered by iGENEA promised to unearth my genealogical history via DNA tracing, making it an irresistible proposition. I wasn't prepared for the deep, insightful revelations that followed.
Once my test results arrived, I began to embark upon a quest that would challenge and enrich my self-understanding. The primary catalyst for this change was the unexpected discovery that I hail from a lineage of Barrier women who were pioneering figures in their respective fields. This led me further into the annals of history, with the DNA test as my beacon, guiding me to the women whose courage and determination had seeped into my genes.
One such revelation was about my Great-Great-Grandmother, Elizabeth Barrier. Born in the 19th Century, a period when most women were relegated to silently working in the background, she was a renowned social activist. She championed the cause of women's suffrage, and her relentless efforts contributed to breaking the barriers of gender norms of her time. This insight made me appreciate the fighting spirit that I had often attributed to my surroundings.
Another shocking revelation was my ancestral link to the Jewish community. I learned that one segment of the Barriers had faced persecution during the Second World War. The revelation was emotional, especially reading about my ancestors who showed courage and resilience during those set times.
All these insights have not only led me to understand myself better but also inspired me. I learned about the strength, courage, and resilience that runs in my DNA. More than anything, these revelations from iGENEA have made me more receptive to my capabilities and potential. It feels empowering to know that I come from a lineage of Barrier women who made their mark in their times, despite the odds stacked against them.
In conclusion, my iGENEA DNA test has been an enlightening journey—a journey that has taken me back in time, giving me a renewed perspective on my identity. An identity defined not just by who I am in the present, but by countless historic struggles and victories, that has moulded the person in the mirror.
L. Barrier