I wanted to write a blog about the Air Force to educate people on the process. Follow me on my exciting journey to becoming an Airman! Each week I will cover a different topic regarding my progress so far.

My interest in joining the military began in 8th grade, around the time conversations about college started becoming more frequent. At that point, I wasn’t sure if college was the right path for me, as I couldn’t think of any specific career that captured my interest. When I started high school, I began to consider college more seriously, and the idea of joining the military faded into the background.

At Homestead, the focus is heavily on pursuing a college degree, often leaving other career paths unexplored. However, by my junior year, my thoughts about the military became more focused. I started discussing potential branches with my family, weighing the pros and cons of each. Ultimately, I narrowed my choices to the Air Force and the Army. My uncle, an Army veteran, advised me to consider the Air Force for its overall quality of life. On the other hand, I was drawn to the Army for its extensive opportunities in the medical field, which aligned with my interest in healthcare.

During the summer before my senior year, I attended the county fair and noticed an Army recruitment tent. Curious, I decided to approach them and ask questions. This led to arranging a meeting with a recruiter, which I was thrilled about. Although the original recruiter wasn’t present when I arrived, another recruiter stepped in, providing helpful information and taking the time to answer my questions. When I mentioned my interest in the Air Force, he introduced me to Sergeant Thompson, whose office was next door.

Sergeant Thompson and I immediately connected. She patiently walked me through the recruitment process, explaining everything in detail and outlining what I could expect. Following our conversation, we scheduled another meeting to include my parents, as I was still a minor at the time.

This experience was a turning point for me. It solidified my decision to pursue a military career and helped me feel confident about the path I was taking. With the support of my family and the guidance of Sergeant Thompson, I’m excited to take the next steps toward achieving my goals and building a meaningful future.