Personal Narrative: I Am Today

When I went on mobilization to Fort Lewis, Washington and left my son in the care of my parents, I thought my parental duties would be set aside until I returned home. Unfortunately, the soldiers of 351st Ordnance Company would prove me wrong with their excessive alcohol consumption, commonly term “binge drinking,” and destructive behaviors. I would then spend the next year sharing the responsibility with four other junior noncommission officers in the task of taking care of soldiers. Despite the efforts of myself and the others we were not fully prepared to handle some of the outrageous events and lack of engagement from the leadership that would challenge us during the tour. My abilities as a junior noncommission officer and the understanding of leadership were redefined and I learned exactly what it meant to ensure soldiers have proper guidance, leadership, positive morale, and well-being.

For as long as I can remember, I feel as though I have been raised in a military environment. At a very young age my parents taught me to value discipline, manners, and to show and treat people with respect. In addition to these ‘staples’ of my upbringing, excelling in academics and on the athletic fields was where I further grew as a leader and learned to work with others to further distinguish myself from my peers. I knew based on my priorities and values that I was different from others by not only the way I carried myself but how I spoke to my peers and elders and the respect that I commanded. Perhaps those values were aided by both my grandfather’s serving in the military and my uncle attending West Point, a graduate of the class of

For the past twenty years, I have been part of an influential organization; the USMC. My years of service have allowed me to learn from leaders and peers, alike, who took time to teach skill

No matter how bothersome it was when my parents got on my back for not saying “Yes ma'am” or “No sir,” I now realize they were teaching me responsibility, integrity, respect, and leadership.When I pinned my mother's rank of Master Sergeant to her shoulder it instilled a sense of pride in my family. We earned that insignia alongside her through all of our sacrifices over the years. My inclination towards engineering and flying is reflective of the dedication and pride my family has set before me. Between my mother who would arrive home late due to her six-hour commute and my cousin who depended on my family while his parents served in Afghanistan, I learned what it meant to be selfless. These members of my family, these role models, show me every day what it means to put service before self. These are the footsteps I aspire to follow

My military service reshaped who I am. My training stripped away any sense of entitlement and I learned more about myself in four months than I’d ever known before. It not only gave me discipline and taught me to perform under pressure, but everything I did wasn’t just for me anymore. I was working hard for the marines next to me in my platoon. The time came when each of us hit a breaking point physically or mentally.

While difficult, being in the military allowed me to mature. Through the army value of selfless service, I’ve learned to put the welfare of others above my own. Through teamwork my outlook on life changed. Seeing everyone help out to create something bigger.

Millions of men and women have served in the armed forces before me and millions more will serve after. Some have paid the ultimate sacrifice; some lost and captured, others received wounds, physically and or emotionally, and that time

Growing up as a military kid, I cultivated a strong sense of discipline, adaptability and compassion. During my formative years, my insatiable curiosity of how the

The way I am today directly reflects the way in which I was raised. The teachings of being smart with money, always using your manners, and always doing the right thing have helped to build my character as I have grown up. The community I lived in was very enjoyable where everyone was respected and friendly toward each other. The implemented rules and things we did as a family have stuck with me and helped shape the way I am today.

Lying here I am waiting. Twenty minutes ago I was fighting the cold air from reaching her. Now I am lying here waiting for her to sweep the last crumb left behind from breakfast. In a quick motion I am picked up and swung around her shoulders. I am her place holder, when her family is just out of reach I am there. Which brings me to how our paths became intertwined, it was 2010, it seems so long ago. She went on a field trip and came back and plopped down beside me explaining how wonderful it was. I saw it then, I saw the determination in her eyes, the sparkle I saw so many other times before. The sparkle only showed up when her heart had consumed an idea and would not rest until it was accomplished. Everyday after that it was a routine to

I believe you can achieve anything you want in life with hard work, dedication, and passion. There are many experiences I have gone through that have helped shaped who I am today. I may not have control over certain situations, but I have a choice on how it affects me.

The world watched in horror on September 11, 2001 as two Boeing 767 aircraft brought the Twin Towers crumbling to the ground. Soon after the attacks, my family, as with many others, were altered. My father was deployed, and I had to continue living my life, going to school and such as though nothing had changed. My preschooler mind might have had a hard time understanding exactly why my father wasn’t around for nine months, but I doubt that I thought it was at all fair. Since then I’ve grown and matured, and I’ve had time to learn just what it means to serve something bigger than yourself. I’ve learned the value of self-sacrifice. Through my father’s service in the Air Force, I’ve come to understand things aren’t always sunshine and rainbows

I know you're feeling like you're choosing between a rock and a hard place right now. I know how uncertain you are about the future and how you just don't see it working out. For once I am going to follow my heart and leave my mind out of this. Separation at this time isn't going to make either of us any happier. Because of your uncertainty, I think you need guidance and I'm capable of giving you that guidance. I know you love and care about me. One thing I was reminded of was how strong our connection and chemistry are. Lately though we've been distant in almost all ways (physically, emotionally). It literally feels like the universe is pulling us away from each other. But regardless of everything, I think we will make it and still think

It was the day. My life was going to change forever and I was so ready for it. I had woken up with a smile but I was also very nervous. I never thought I would do this. I didn’t think i was ever gonna get close to him but that changed. I decided i am going to get baptized. I was getting baptized by my best friend Katie, and my youth pastor Devin.

As I got in the border patrol truck to go and pick up Roberto I was wondering to myself if they were going to separate all of us or if they were going to deport us back to Mexico. I was really scared because maybe they were going to take me and Roberto to detention central and they were going to ask us what we are doing here and we wouldn't now if our parents would come for us. When we got to the detention center the guard told me to take a seat then when a I took a seat the guard stared to ask me questions that I didn't really understand what he was saying so I was trying my hardest to understand what he was saying the officer said "what are you guys doing here"