FORT KNOX, Ky. – Determining a career path to pursue can be challenging. As a kid, the career we hoped for isn’t always the end reality. The numerous possibilities we face spark constant debates about what our future should be.

“I actually wanted to be a [police officer] in the military but then decided to go the officer route,” said Cadet Kaitlyn Garcia, University of Central Oklahoma, assigned to 1^st Regiment, Basic Camp.

Garcia had a variety of paths that called to her. Starting out, she attended an emergency services trade school that went over a variety of skills like firefighting, a little bit of HVAC, and more. Her original plan was to become a police officer and enlist in the military. However, she discovered the opportunities available as an Army officer and decided to change her course.

Taking her trade school experience with her, she found that some of the firefighting experience resonated with her. She enjoyed the chance to help people, discovering the medical focused side of firefighting to be more appealing than the police field. For her, helping people has been something that has interested her since childhood.

“I want to be a pilot on this side, live that aviation dream of my dad, and then on civilians I know I want to help people,” states Garcia.

Having served in the Air Force as a chapter 35 mechanic for an Airborne Early Warning & Control plane, Garcia’s father shares that same love for aviation. If given the chance, Garcia hopes to sign a contract with the National Guard and become a Black Hawk pilot as an officer and a firefighter in her civilian career. For Garcia, the opportunity to possibly follow in her dad’s footsteps and pay him back for everything he has done for her is meaningful. That inspiration and support from her dad is a big influence on her hope to return the favor to others.

“I always thought he was such a blessing to our family, helping us out in that element,” Garcia said. “So, I want to kind of pass that forward to my family and for anything that comes after that.”

While at Cadet Summer Training, she has received support and encouragement from her fellow cadets. Words that helped to inspire friendly competition and strength to do the best she can. She finds that, to succeed and go further in the military, she needs to perform well and give it her all.

“I am going to be a leader, and I have to make sure I have the standards so that other people can look up to me for that,” said Garcia.

Finding her strength in the future, she pushes herself to do her best. Garcia looks ahead at her dreams and goals as her time at CST comes to an end.

“Whenever I go back to school, I’m hoping I can contract in September, and then I’m gonna be an MS3 and I’m just going to fully dedicate myself to the program,” Garcia said. “If I’m getting paid for it, I’m gonna live for it. So, I’m gonna do all the events, do all the things, and really set my future up for myself.”