Hey there! My name is Valeria, I was born and raised in my beautiful island, Puerto Rico. When I was 20 years old, I was driven by a desire that I later recognized as stemming from my grief, I wanted to join the military. Following extensive physical and mental preparations over several months, I came to the realization that this path was not aligned with my true aspirations. I underwent a journey of self-discovery, where I was able to understand that seeking validation or approval from others was unnecessary; what truly mattered was my own validation. This realization empowered me to pursue my own desires. Subsequently, I made the decision to enroll in college, marking the commencement of my journey at The College of Staten Island during the spring semester of 2019. Balancing full-time work and night shifts alongside being a full-time student posed significant challenges. Despite frequent moments of self-doubt, I was fortunate to have a supportive network of individuals who aided me throughout this transformative period. While some individuals expressed skepticism and disapproval towards my decisions, I chose to distance myself from such negativity, a choice that proved beneficial for my personal growth. This experience taught me the importance of pursuing my aspirations and having faith in the journey of healing and self-discovery. Embracing this mindset has propelled me forward on my path towards personal fulfillment and growth.