A521.3.4.RB - Personal Reflection

When asked to recall two or three situations from my childhood or early adulthood that had a formative impact on me I can think of two situation that change my life; the day I found out I was moving to the U.S and seeing the Blue Angels for the first time.

A decision that forever change my life

On November 1993, my mother told me that we would be moving to the United States. This milestone in my life will forever change the course of my future. I was born in the beautiful island of the Dominican Republic. As kids we all dreamed of coming to the U.S and start a new life. Living in poverty was extremely hard; my mother was a single mother of three and worked two jobs to keep food on the table.  Even thought life was tough in the island, we made the best of it. Upon our arrival to New York City we notice the differences in culture, weather and opportunities. One of the things that I remember the most was school. The teachers were so caring and the facilities were amazing. I felt in love with school and all I wanted to do was to learn more. Coming to America will forever change my life for the good. I finished high school, join the military and graduate from college all before the aged of 22. I have never forgotten where I came from and the obstacles that my family had to faced to be where I’m at now. If it wasn’t for my mother, I don’t know where I would be. It’s amazing to see how one decision can have such implication in someone’s life. The decision my mother took 22 years ago to leave everything she knew and start a new life has been one of the most courageous, act of love that I’ve have ever encounter and I can’t stop thanking her for it. This decision has giving me and my brother and sister the opportunity to live in freedom, have an education and be financial stable. My mother has taught me to never giving up; treat people with respect and to always have dreams. The guidance I’ve received from mentors and family has helped me achieve the dreams of being a Navy pilot. Serving in the military has been one of the best decisions of my life. The lessons I learned growing up has taught me to be a leader who cares and invest in the development of their subordinates. It has been an honor and privilege to serve the country that gave my family the chance for a better future.

Hard work and dedication pays off

It was a hot summer morning in 2000, and my family was heading to the airport for the annual airshow. Earlier that year, I started high school and joined the Navy Junior reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC). For me this was the first introduction to the Navy and the opportunities to learn how to become a leader. Since being part of the JROTC program we were lucky enough to receive tickets to the airshow. The airshow experience was amazing; the aircrafts and the pilots astonished me. The way the pilots handle the aircrafts in the skies was like watching an artist paint a masterpiece. Not until I saw the Blue Angels did I feel in love with aviation. That summer I researched all the ways to become a pilot. I went up to my JROTC instructor and talked about my dream of flying one day. We worked a road map that would help me in my quest to achieving this desire. The strategy was to join the enlisted ranks, get a college degree and apply for Officer Candidate School. It easy enough right? Well in my mind I really did think it that it was that easy. My mother taught me about perseverance and never giving up. This encouraged me to give it my all. After graduating high school in 2003, I went to Navy boot camp as an Aviation Machinist Mate (jet engine mechanic), and worked on the F/A 18 E/F Super Hornet. After 4 years of active service and 1 year of reserves, I received my bachelor degree and was selected for the Navy pilot program. After graduating from flight, I received my wings of gold and was designated as a Naval Aviator. This achieving fulfilled my dream of becoming a pilot. The long days studying, and the sleepless night were well worth it. Being this dedicate for a goal has taught me the importance of being a leader who cares. I have devoted myself to inspired and mentor junior sailors to achieve their dreams. I’ve been blessed to have many mentors, coaches and friends who pushed me through the hard times. This mentality has made me into a transformational leader that aims to leads from example.