Faces of Beale: The long path to military service, with service along the way

I am the third of four children born to immigrant parents that came to this country seeking a better life. Growing up, I understood that our nation was unique in the resources and opportunities it provided. Of course, childhood was not without its challenges. Despite showing academic prowess throughout my youth, many teachers told me that because of my gender and ethnicity I had no place in society other than raising children, and that I especially had no place at a university. Feeling that there must be more to life; yet not truly knowing, I refused to allow other people dictate what I would be able to provide for my country.