From Camo to High Heels

It all started in New York City on 9/11, while on the ferry on my way to State Island for my college classes, I realized that the World Trade Center towers were on fire. I grabbed one of the telescopes that were on the ferry, and I looked through it, I couldn’t believe my eyes. As it was all unfolding, I remember telling this gentleman to look out towards the towers because he didn’t comprehend what I was saying. His face became pale, and he collapsed. We couldn’t believe our eyes. We were shocked and didn’t

know what to do. When we got to the Staten Island side, we hopped off the ferry, and it became apparent that it was the last ferry of the day.

After finding out what was going on, how this was no accident, that it was a terrorist attack, my friend Rakibur Joarder offered to drive from Staten Island to the city to get me home safe. He risked his life for me! Back then, people didn’t know the difference between Hindu and Muslims, in NYC many people that “looked” Muslim were getting attacked, and he didn’t care, he came to help me when I needed him. Once back home, I decided to join the military. I knew I had to fight for the country that had

brought so many opportunities to me. Not only me but many immigrants from all over the world as well. I had to fight for the nation that I had come to love in just two short years.

I joined the United States Air Force, my second choice (ha!), but the best decision I ever made in my life. Joining the military has brought so many things into my life that most people only dream of experiencing. My being part of something bigger than I could have imagined taught me how to handle difficult situations strategically. My time in the military taught me to be strong, to have integrity, to put others before myself, to expect only the best, to never settle for less, to have a drive and focus. Going from a young Latin woman (19yrs old), who barely spoke

English, to the strong wife, mother, and businesswoman I am today, has been no small feat, but I owe most of it to my time in the military. During my first deployment to Afghanistan, as a young E4, I had to take the reins of my section due to a lack of Leadership. Working 12-14 hour days seven days a week, I had to learn how to run a section. My duties included ensuring that all the aircraft parts, vehicle parts, water, ammo, and weapons were issued to each shop and each section. I was also responsible for every airman coming through Bagram. I was tasked with ensuring they were properly trained, had their correct gear, and ensured that the entire camp had drinking water available.

The lack of guidance was no barrier for me to lead. I had a young E2 who, like myself, was on her first deployment. To top it all off, she contracted Malaria. She was scared and didn’t know what to do. I took her to the hospital on base and had to leave her there because there was more work to be done, and flight missions depended on us. Looking back, I wouldn’t change anything that I did following that ordeal, but I will share those details another time.

Today I’m a successful businesswoman with a Master’s degree in Leadership, a proud Mary Kay Independent Beauty consultant, teaching women how to be successful entrepreneurs, makeup artist, and a former Volleyball coach. My future shines bright because of the story I have lived and the lessons I have learned.