You got this. You are doing something that so few girls would even dream or dare of doing. You worked so hard for this opportunity whether academically and athletically. You might be as young as 18: fresh out of high school. You might be a college graduate. Your family and your friends might not be supporting this goal of yours. You might have guys who are shaking in fear because they do not have the guts to be like you (that's totally fine, their problem not mine). Everyone might even think you are insane to pursue this endeavor.

You will arrive at Parris Island at night on a bus. It doesn't matter if you're from New York or California. You will take your first step to glory when your drill instructors tell you to stand on the yellow footprints. Your drill instructors job will be to break you down and to build you into a better woman. You will be discouraged and you will want to give up. I get it. Thirteen weeks with no way to call home and no way to get onto Instagram. Thirteen weeks of writing letters to your loved ones who are most likely miles away. Thirteen weeks of not being able to hang out with your boyfriend (if you have one that is). But I'm telling you: don't give up. You will regret it so much if you give up.

You have an opportunity to become one of the fewer and prouder. Do not throw that opportunity away. It will be exhausting. It will not be easy. It was supposed to not be easy. But that is OK because the tough times will make you stronger. I promise you that.

It will be so worth it after you complete The Crucible. It will be so worth it when you stand watching the sun rise and having your drill instructor give you the Eagle, Anchor, and Globe. It will be so worth it to post on social media and to walk around in public in dress blues. It will be so worth it when you have children and you can proudly tell them that you served your country in the most elite military branch of them all. There's nothing more amazing like being a United States Marine except God.

-Sincerely,

A Fellow Military Woman