I was born on the radiant south shores of Ponce, on the island of Puerto Rico on May 12, 1987. Both of my parents are also Puerto Rican. Many are surprised to know I am a Latina, maybe because of the fact that I do not have an accent. The truth is that Spanish is my first language and I was raised in the Caribbean. I am proud of my heritage, to be a Latina and to be Puerto Rican. Everything I have been through, the things I have experienced, and what I have become has been possible because of my parents. They are both a positive influence in my life. My father especially had to overcome many obstacles. Working on the dairy farms of Las Marias, Puerto Rico and working small jobs just wasn’t enough. He knew he could do something bigger and better. With determination and self-motivation, my dad made it to college. He was the only one of five children to get a higher education. Paying for his own education was in itself a challenge, but he never gave up. My dad eventually finished school with two bachelor’s degrees, one in biology and the other in nursing. My mother has been very supportive as well. Her positive attitude and her passion for God have also helped impact my life in a positive way. My Christian upbringing and the love of God is truly the reason I have come so far. My mom has always been there for me and has supported me in all of my endeavors. My father commissioned into the military in 1994 and today he is a Major in the greatest Air Force and my mother is a manager in a retirement community. It is because of them that I can share my story with you today. My military upbringing allowed me to travel all over the world before reaching the age of 20. I have lived in Florida, Arizona, Mississippi, England, and now Texas. I have visited many countries in Europe, experienced the culture of beautiful Mexico and even got a chance to visit the country of Singapore on a cadet exchange program.

I was lucky to go to a Department of Defense high school and graduate in the beautiful Ely Cathedral in the United Kingdom. I have been exposed to many cultures and have made friends all around the world. So what was next? Somewhere in the midst of everything, I realized I wanted to join the military and follow in my father’s footsteps. After my high school graduation, we moved to Texas where I began attending community college. While at San Antonio College, I applied for the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps cross-town program at the University of Texas in San Antonio. A year and a half later, I received a Commander’s Scholarship and transferred to the big university. I am currently in my third year and am pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Geography with minors focusing in International Studies and French. I will be able to commission into the Air Force in spring of 2010, hopefully, as an Intelligence Officer. Fortunately, the military tradition doesn’t end with me. I am glad to say that my younger brother is currently in his second year at the Coast Guard Academy and will be commissioning in spring of 2011. I am very proud to be Latina. With my family and friends support and guidance, and my ongoing drive, I have been able to successfully set a career path for a better future. I have many goals and ambitions to achieve still later on in life. There will be obstacles, but with determination and willingness, anything is possible. By Priscilla Cristal Valentin Tejero