I was in my third year of high school and I knew that from being in JROTC I wanted to join the military, what branch I just did not know. Until one day my older brother joined the Navy and I said to myself that I did not want to do the same thing that he is doing. I wanted to do something different and something that would challenge me not only physically but mentally, so I met with my recruiter and I told my mom that this is what I wanted to do when I graduate. I was only 17 years old so I had to have my mom sign the contract for me and it was a rap it was in the DEP for a year. When I graduated fron H.S in June of 97, I was ready I wanted to leave as soon as possible and I did just that 2 weeks later I was swearing in at MEP and I was on a plane 4 hour later to Parris Island.

I did not know what to expect when I got to the ISLAND but what I did know what that more than ever I knew that I made the right choice. Upon arriving to Parris Island (which they make you get there as late as possible for a reason), I was nervous and scared but I work my way through the first night. Upon getting our platoons and DI's thats when I was rea;;y feeling home sick, and I wanted the person that I could not wait to get away from my MOM.

I was choosen to be guide early on but I did not want all the attention on me so that did not last to long but i knew what i was doing and I enjoyed it.

My DI's became like a second, third, fourth and even fifth mother to me while i was in boot camp. (Yes I had 4 Drill Instructors), I was so scared that by the time i did the crucible and had my Eagle Globe & Anchor pin on my uniform that was the best feeling in the world and I was so proud of myself that I had just completed the hardest 13 1/2 weeks of training that not everyone can say they can do. But if you have the will you can acheive the great success that I had while I was on active duty.

Once a Marine always a Marine. Siempre Fi.

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