It started as just a regular day for Marisol Trujiilo ‘25 at CTE, but when the presence of the National Guard sergeant came in, her future changed. As the officer got deeper into his speech, Trujjilo knew, “This was the beginning.” Trujillo took a big step in her life by joining the National Guard this summer.
The National Guard is a unique branch of the U.S. military that has both state and federal responsibilities. They are generally called up to respond to state-level emergencies and support military operations overseas. The National Guard is expected to deploy at any moment’s notice to protect life and property in the US in case of any disaster. The National Guard values respect, life lessons, and allows guardsmen to go to new places, and meet new people. Inspired by the opportunities and benefits, Trujillo took action.
Trujillo started basic training over the summer on May 28 in Missouri. It was a 10-week process, each day getting harder. A typical day in camp started with waking up early in the morning, working out, having breakfast, training multiple times throughout the day, lunch, and finally dinner. “There was a lot planned for each day and it would always change,” said Trujillo. “There are different phases in basic training and in each phase, you are expected to meet requirements to graduate,” said Trujillo. You start at week zero, then have to make your way up the phases; yellow, red, white, and blue. In each phase, soldiers work on strength and discipline for the National Guard. Eager to get back home, she completed each phase with success.
She was supported throughout every step of her journey and still is today. In the beginning, Trujillo’s family thought that she had been joking. “After finding out how serious I was, they were proud and happy for me,” she said. Her closest friends were the only ones she told besides her family. “They had never expected this from me,” said Trujillo. She also received letters from loved ones, which gave her the strength to make it to the end. “I started to appreciate everything that I was going through because I knew in the end, it would be all worth it,” Trujillo said.
“To those considering military service, I would say to go for it! It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that can be challenging but worth it in the end,” said Trujillo. Today, Trujillo goes to drill once every month, where she workouts and trains. Take Trujillo’s story and consider joining a branch of the US military to experience these life-changing opportunities!
