Once upon a time, I had come to a crossroads in my life. I wanted to see the world, but did not have the money to do so. I thought about joining the Peace Corps, but a friend talked me out of it. She said that the U.S. military would pay me, and that the toilet paper was better. So, I went with the better toilet paper. . . and the pay.

It was so scary at first. I had never been described as athletic, and I had never fired a weapon before. In fact, the first time I tried to qualify, I missed the target more than I hit it. But my bunk-buddy worked with me on controlling my breathing, and I surprised everyone by hitting the target with all 40 shots.

Although I hated it, I found myself running several miles a day, marching everywhere, and developing a deep bond with my fellow squad members. The Army did something college could not, and that was, it taught me that I could do anything to which I put me mind. In fact, I met my husband in the Army. Four beautiful children, and four wonderful grandchildren later I can honestly say I made the right decision.