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My Birthday
In the middle of the early 2000's I was born first of two premature twins. This would complete the Trinidad family, four. boys and one girl. I was born with pneumonia and a level 2 brain hemorrhage . -
Persevering
After having been on the drill team for 3 years I have learned to see things through. Even when things got hard I continued to go to practice and persevere. -
Hardworking
After my first honor roll report card in 4th grade, I was motivated to do almost whatever it takes to get on the honor roll. This has meant that I stayed up late just to make sure all my work was completed and communicated with my teachers about my grade. -
First day of preschool
When I was 3 I started the first of a long time at my elementary school. My two years in pre-school set the foundation of many years of learning -
My first baseball game
For my 6th birthday my dad took me and my twin to our first White Sox game. This would be the very first of many baseball games and the start of a love for baseball. -
Well-spoken
After having to learn to speak to adults for various reasons I learned how to articulate myself in a way that I have been told that some adults aren't even able to do. Being well-spoken has lead me to be able to express myself in a way that people can clearly understand -
Outspoken
After being bullied a lot in middle school I learned to be more outspoken and unafraid to go to teachers when I was being bullied This has even transferred to in-class experiences where I would need to talk to the teacher when I was not understanding what we were learning. -
My 8th grade graduation
After being in the same school with all the same people all my life, I finally graduated. After this, I went to a high school that was out of my district and had a population that was six times larger than the Elementary school I went to. This lead me to develop socially and allowed me to meet many of the close friends I have today. -
First Job
During this summer I was able to have my first job with Friends of the Parks through Afterschool matters. This job allowed me to be more independent and learn to work in a team. -
Caring
Most times I care deeply about my friends and loved ones. I try my very best to make sure they are okay and doing well -
Disciplined
Being on the drill team has taught me to be disciplined. This means that I stick to what I need to do and do not act on impulse. -
I Join NJROTC
In order to get into the high school of my choice, I had to join the NJROTC program. This became one of my most defining decisions as the program was the start of me becoming a confident leader -
Joined Drill
This day I went to my first drill team practice which caused me to learn discipline and precision. Although I was not perfect when I first started I also learned to persevere and to grow better through practice. -
Knowledgeable
Through various classes, studies, and research of my own, I have acquired a wealth of knowledge. This is something I try to build on so that my knowledge can be used to help others when it is needed. -
Independent
I have learned to rely only on myself for when I need to do something. Whether it is waking up and getting ready or time management, I usually do not need help from others -
I took AP U.S History
This was my first AP level class which lead me to discover my love for U.S history. I did amazingly in this class and got a four out of five on my exam. This class is what inspired me to attempt to earn the Pritzker Military Foundation High Water Mark scholarship trip. -
High Water Mark Trip
Funded by the Pritzker Military Foundation, I was able to travel outside of the Midwest for the first time. The High Water Mark scholarship trip sent me and 77 other JROTC cadets from across the city in order to learn about the Civil War in places such as Gettysburg and Manassas. This caused me to be more sociable and confident when it came to talking to strangers. -
Promoted to Chief
On this day I was promoted to Cadet Chief Petty Officer, or "Chief", for short. This is the highest rank you can get in my NJROTC unit without being a part of the staff. Although it has taken me 3 years to achieve, I can now say I have done something not many others will be able to do. -
Precise
Through drill and other JROTC events such as Inspection, I have learned to be precise. This matters on a team where every movement can make or break your place in the rankings -
Confident
After having to be a leader and speak in front of large groups of people for various events, I have learned to be confident in all that I do. When others would stand back, I take action.
