My brother was enlisted in the Marines at the time and was awaiting to head out for recruit training. The last week before his departure, he knew I needed guidance and mentorship especially if he was gone, and so he took me to see his recruiter (SSgt Arnold Sosa). Little did I know that my life was about to change that day with one decision, at the age of 17.

I chose the Marines because they were the ones who could offer me the discipline that I needed to progress in life and provide that steppingstone towards my future career. My mother was very reluctant at first but eventually after months of bickering, came to terms that I was going to follow that with or without her permission. What motivated me the most throughout recruit training was that many doubted including my mother that I would follow through and 11 years later, I’m still here.

My recruiters did everything possible to make sure I was ready for Recruit Training on August 27, 2012, and I was ready. In February of 2014, my entire life changed when my daughter was born. I became what many called a “statistic”. A statistic to me meant that I was now one of those young female Marines that became pregnant during their first enlistment. Being pregnant within the first two years of my contract affected my career in many ways, however, it became a blessing in disguise. This was what I needed to push myself even harder in my life and career. Being a single mother and sole provider for my daughter has taught me many lessons. The first being, there is always someone looking up to you, not just younger Marines but someone who does not see flaws in you and watches your every move. My biggest obstacle was completing recruiting duty while going through a divorce and child custody battle. In fact, this struggle pushed me to continue to reach new heights and I was named the Recruiter of the Fiscal Year 2021 for Recruiting Station Harrisburg, 1ST Marine Corps District.

To this day, my daughter keeps me going in this career and allows me to continue serving. As a formal schoolhouse instructor and Sexual Assault Prevention & Response Victim Advocate at Ground Supply School, my students continue to motivate me to persevere. Constantly influencing Marines is what keeps me grounded and on the right path, someday they will be my replacement in the Corps.