By Britney Corrales
On the wall of my parents’ house hangs a frame of all my mother’s achievements in the Army, her Associates degree, and a picture of my family and I at my mother’s promotion award. In the picture, as I wear my mother’s beret, my face revealed happiness and determination to thrive for success like my mother. At the age of seven, I did not understand the hardship my parents went through before having my sister and I. My father never attended college, or at least finished high school and struggled living with three jobs, and my mother was a college dropout because she could not afford to pay for her education and starved herself with a minimum waged job. Rethinking at what my parents went through; I did not want to experience the same. I guess that’s why I thrived to surpass the goals of my parents; joining the Army, going to college on the island, graduating with a Doctor’s degree in Nursing and opening up my own business. I chose to attend to UH Manoa because it’s financially reasonable, my current occupation is located here, the ROTC program, and it provides an outstanding education to achieve my Doctor’s degree.
The people in uniform have always fascinated me. As a child, I would wait for my mother to come home so I could wear her Army patrol cap and walk around the house to control my sister. Her patrol cap made me feel superior and I enjoyed being in command. Although my sister never took me seriously, my mother would obey me. I would yell at my sister, “Hey Miss little girl, go fetch me some water!”
“You’re not the boss of me,” as she puts her hands on her hips, “only mom is.”
“Mom, she’s not listening to me. I’m wearing the hat! Master Sergeant Mommy, go fetch some water!”
“Of course baby. Anything for you,” as she caressed my face.
As I crossed my arms, “Mom, I’m not a baby. I’m a Soldier!”
Once I started high school, everything turned out differently than expected. I knew I wanted to serve in the military and become a doctor, but high school made me want to explore other opportunities. During my freshman and sophomore year, I never cared much of what went on. I just went to school, did my homework, take tests and quizzes, and pass.
My Junior year, I signed up for a club called SkillsUSA which is a national nonprofit organization that ensures students, teachers, and industry working together to prepare for careers in trade, technical, and skilled service occupations, including health occupations. SkillsUSA tested my skills on many levels, such as prepared speeches, and graphic design. I enjoyed being a part of the organization. My mentors taught me many things that were very helpful. They may have not steered me towards my future career, but their desires and interests help me thrive for my goals.
When I became a senior, AP classes, grades and colleges began to matter. This year counted the most. Before I applied to any colleges, I enlisted into the Army in November 2011. Being in the military was mother and I’s goals. As for college, UH Manoa was my number one school to attend before high school and towards my senior year, I was indecisive. My mother was not thrilled that I doubted my college choice. I applied to UH Manoa and University of Washington and received admission into both. As thrilled as I was, I did not know where to attend. I knew I