I was not an athlete ever in high school I loved to go shopping,
I love shoes and clothes and makeup.
So, I mean I still do all the normal girlie stuff.
Growing up I never thought that I would even be interested in
joining the Navy or um pursuing a career in the Navy.
So coming to NROTC it was really hard for me adjust to all the
physical training. Oh I definitely can't run as fast as them,
or they are so much taller than me, so much bigger than me,
but once I start something I have to finish it.
I know paying for college is really tough and so NROTC has given me
a four year scholarship and I get a stipend. And I think that's
great because I'm fortunate enough not to have to worry about
student loans or finding a job.
In high school is when I basically figured out that I want to do nursing.
I started volunteering at a hospital and I really enjoy like the interaction
that the nurses had with their patients. In five years I'll be at
Naval Base Hospital working and helping people. And that's really my goal.
It's a big change. I wasn't a big risk taker, I kinda stay in my own little space,
but just picturing where I was, probably, the beginning of the school year,
seeing the growth and the progress I've made, I'm really happy about where
I am right now. I've matured a lot, gained a lot more responsibility.
My friends who aren't in NROTC, who are civilians, just see me as the same person,
I haven't really changed that much. The fact that I've chosen a career path
in the Navy, definitely makes my parents proud. And I'm really learning more about
myself through this program. I'm gaining a sense of confidence in my capabilities.
I'm just really excited what the future holds for me. My name is Elanie Mamaril,
I'm a Midshipman at the NROTC unit San Diego, and I want to be a nurse.