Money to help the family

Daniela from San Diego joined the military, because she needed to make money to help her brother and mother. Her two cousins were soldiers as well. Willing to be deployed to war zones, she was looking forward to a long career in the military. She ignored her fear of men, stemming from childhood sexual abuse. 

In 2007, Daniela joined the Marine Corps. The bootcamp was strenuous. “When I first joined I was scared, because I didn’t know if I can do three months of hardcore basic training. I didn’t know if I was physically or mentally ready. All I was worried about was that I am going to get a pay check and help my family.”

At bootcamp, the group was all female. Daniela felt comfortable. She enjoyed her success in vigorous physical activity.  “Every time I finished a mile or a hike, I was proud of myself,” she remembers. Her forthcoming military experience was looking positive.