For as long as she could remember, Spc. Maria Garcia knew she wanted to become a Doctor.
"That's all I've ever dreamed of. I knew I wanted to help others and the medical field was the answer to fulfilling my dream," Garcia said.
She would come directly into contact with her wish after entering the military. Shortly after enlisting, Garcia injured her back, knee, pelvis and shoulder during a routine road march. In May of 2016, she would endure the first of several surgeries.
"After the surgery, it was very painful. I had a very difficult time adjusting physically and mentally," she said.
She recovered at Joint Base Lewis McChord's Warrior Transition Unit.
"I was completely unaware of what the WTU was all about. I felt like an injured Soldier, rather than a wounded warrior. I was very prideful and I didn't feel as if I deserved the excellent treatment I received." She said.
As time wore on, at the urgency of her fellow soldiers, the California native began participating in adaptive reconditioning sports including swimming, sitting volleyball, and shooting.
"Participating in the sports helps me concentrate mentally and physically. I pushed through to a new level each time I try another sport and I still struggle physically. However, being at the WTU opened a new world to me. I now feel like I can accomplish anything. The constant pain fluctuates, however seeing my fellow Soldiers and how they adjust with their loss of limbs helps me to refocus and it motivates me. What right do I have to complain?" said Garcia."
The Army Specialist is competing in a number of events including swimming, shooting and cycling for the first time. She hopes to be one of the 40 selected to represent Team Army at the 2017 Department of Defense Warrior Games.
"So many people have been encouraging me and telling me to do it for them. So I'm going to do it to the best of my ability. I will also serve my country by becoming a Doctor. I want to help our wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers. Whether it's pursuing my education in medical school or hopefully representing Team Army at the Warrior Games, that's my mission."
Garcia will enter medical school in 2019. She hopes to become an Obstetrician.
Social Sharing