At La Isla Magazine we follow the trail of stories and life experiences of our beloved Hispanic Community, which tell us about big dreams that come true thanks to the opportunities that this country offers. For this month's edition we had the pleasure to learn about one of those inspiring life experiences. His name is Bryan Velázquez, a 16-year-old Venezuelan who, thanks to the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps JROTC program, projects his dream of belonging to the United States Marine Corps from an early age. Let's know your story. La Isla Magazine. Welcome to La Isla Magazine Bryan, how are you? Bryan. A/ Nice to meet you. Well, beginning the interview, I would like to say God Bless the United States of America. This country has given refuge to my family and me, who have escaped from a dictator and corrupt government. This country has given me many opportunities and opened many doors for me, so I am very grateful to be here.
TU HISTORIA | YOUR STORY JROTC program at our school and from there I started to find out. So I entered the early program that takes place in Bluffton schools, where they teach the basics of the JROTC program. La Isla Magazine. Bryan, speaking of your story and what you want to project in your life, it is very interesting that our community is aware that these types of programs exist in public schools in the United States. How does a youth enroll and take advantage of the opportunities this program provides? Bryan. A/ It is very easy, all you have to do is go to your guidance counselor at the school and let him know that you want to enroll in the JROTC program, so they are enrolled in the classes and start.
La Isla Magazine. What better way to express that appreciation than by wearing a uniform that represents the United States Armed Forces! We know you are part of the JROTC program, a program that invites America's young High School students to learn about the military and prepares them for leadership roles. Could you tell us abouth this program and how you came to be a part of it? Bryan. A/ At Bluffton High School I am in my third year of JROTC. Thinking about my future, I always aspired to be a military man. From a very young age I was fascinated by military movies and I am always watching or reading everything about military aircraft. When I was in Middle School, a friend told me that there was a AUGUST 2022 • LAISLAMAGAZINE.COM 23
