Front
the I was born and raised in Brownsville,
TX. Growing up, I had little to no
knowledge of the Coast Guard. The
From Mexican-American culture I was
surrounded with focused on the
importance of family and being able to
provide for them. With this in mind, I had
Letters one goal when I graduated high school;
take in opportunities that would lead me
with the promise of a career.
In the summer of 2009, I attended
the University of Texas at Brownsville. I
pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology
Latina and later in 2011, I pursued an Associate’s
Degree in Forensic Science. With hard
work, dedication, and a little help from a
scholarship, I was able to graduate with
both degrees in 2012. At the time, being
a recent college graduate with no work
experience, I found myself at a complete
standstill. For almost a year, I applied to
different jobs in hopes I could kick the door
to another opportunity, with little to no success. This
was the first time in my life I felt lost and had no
purpose. I started seeking advice from friends,
family, classmates, and professors. That’s when a
former Forensics Professor of mine, also a highly
decorated retired U.S. Army Officer, recommended
joining the Coast Guard. Little did I know back then,
this conversation would lead me to one of the best
decisions I had ever made.
With the blessing of my family and husband, I
joined the Coast Guard in 2014, and by June of that
year, I was facing some of the greatest challenges of
my life during boot camp. Having every waking
moment on edge and hoping and praying you make
it to the next day of training was the only thought in
my mind. I relied heavily on the letters I received
from my husband to get me through the next day.
Before I knew it, I graduated and went to my first
unit with my husband to San Diego, CA where the
CGC Sherman was stationed. In retrospect, boot
camp was such a short period of my life but had the
most impact on how I view the world and how I carry
myself in and out of the uniform. Three years later, I
found myself needing to make a decision to stay in
and choose my rate.
The CG had so much to offer me and trying to
see what would fit my personality was the biggest
factor. In the end, I decided to become a Yeoman and
put my name on the A school list. This rate and
branch of service has given me the privilege and the
ability to help others and to serve my country,
becoming the reason why I choose to reenlist and
pursue a military career.
36 www.latinastyle.com LATINAStyle Vol. 27, No. 5, 2021 Ranking as a Petty Officer Second Class has
allowed me to push through so many challenges.
I joined different organizations to improve my
leadership and to embrace diversity, such as the
Leadership and Diversity Advisory Council (LDAC)
and Association of Naval Services Officers (ANSO).
The rest of my time was devoted to volunteer work
with educational institutions to help ensure they are
receiving aid in mentoring/tutoring.
Putting my life in perspective, I have realized
how my personality has led me to this amazing
organization that welcomed me as a member of their
family. I know the CG has more to offer, as this is not
the end, only a beginning. I acquired self-knowledge
and found my true purpose: helping others find their
own passions in life. The confidence I have gained
in my short seven years has allowed me to strive
to be better. Knowing I can make a difference
reminds me that I made the right choice in joining
the Coast Guard.
YN2 Jessica Contreras, USCG.
Coast Guard Foundation Dinner in Seattle, WA. September 19, 2019.
(L-R) SK2 Venetta Barber; YN2 Jessica Contreras; IT2 Felix Minos; YN1 Dusti Streibeck;
YN1 Vinh Mai; ME1 Jeffrey Phillips.
By YN2 Jessica Contreras
U.S. Coast Guard
LS
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