#Strong

Last February, I remember asking my teachers, “Do you think this cycle will go by fast?” They would laugh and say, “At the end, you will realize just how fast the 22 weeks will go.” Now, as I sit here writing this article on April 5, I laugh when I think about it. Time is passing fast.

On March 25, we got to experience the best day ever for me. It was family day. Even before we got off the bus at the Nada Community Center, one of the cadets spotted my father waiting in the crowd. I thought that I would cry. After listening to speeches by the commandant and director, we were able to march off the bus.

I spotted my mom holding up a sign that read, “#Angelikastong,” and I saw my cousin, brother, and my abuela. As soon as I could, I ran to my family and hugged them, not wanting to let go. My mother pointed to an orange tent that they had set up and I saw my dad. I ran over to the tent and got the best hug ever from him.

My family brought all of my favorite food and snacks, and we ate while we caught up on all that we had missed. I showed them some of the workouts that we did while I was here, and I got to Facetime with my tia and tio and got to see my baby cousin who was born on February 25.

The four hours that we were together went by way too fast. My mother presented me with my official dog tags after the director explained how important they are to us. Both my mom and I teared up when she placed it around my neck. My abuela and cousin came up to me and said a prayer with me before it was time to leave.

Once we formed up, I wanted to fall out and give them one last hug, but instead we all said the Cadet Creed and marched out. As we left, I was crying while we sang our cadence. As we got on the bus to return to the Academy, I saw my family, and they blew me kisses. My mom raised her arms, pointed to her muscles, and told me that I was strong.

Now that Family Day has passed, I can see just how quickly this cycle is going. We have Mentor Day on April 15 and we will have PRAP Home pass over Memorial Day. I know that being here is a challenge for me, and it is also a challenge for my family. But I also know that we will finish this challenge. #Munozfamilystrong!