Medina Ayala-Lo never imagined the 10-minute walk from her Brooklyn high school to the Marine Corps recruiting office would forever change her life.
“I think my motivation for joining the military came down to practicality. I knew my mom couldn’t afford college and there wouldn’t be any scholarships, so I had to make a plan to do something with my life,” she said.
Ayala-Lo credits her mother, a single parent, with laying the foundation for her and her twin sister to grasp the importance of doing something meaningful with their lives.
“My mom is very educated and accomplished, and I think that’s why she wanted us to pursue a similar path. Although she grew up in less than ideal circumstances, she made the most of the opportunities she received, worked hard, and eventually earned degrees in law and, later, education.”
Took advantage of every opportunity
Ayala-Lo served five years, all at Twentynine Palms, California, and although she admits her experience was not as diverse as most Marines, she took advantage of every opportunity afforded to her.
“I realized the importance of contributing to a team and being part of something bigger than myself. My shop was great and I was surrounded by good people who made the experience rewarding,” she shared.
Five years into her career, at the rank of sergeant, she made the choice to leave the service. “I was so grateful for what the Marine Corps gave me, but I was young and wanted to have the ability to pursue other ventures. When you are in uniform, you’re a Marine first. There is nothing wrong with that, but I wanted to pursue a life outside of the Corps.”
In 2019, Ayala-Lo was hired as a public affairs specialist with West Los Angeles VA. Just like any job, she faced challenges, but leaning on lessons from the Marines, she realized the importance of doing for others.
“Despite all the challenges, you can always find yourself fulfilled and rewarded at VA. We serve those who served. It’s easy to support that,” she said.
“That’s what I owe to those who have been there for me.”
Ayala-Lo made the choice to head east and extend her VA service as part of Bay Pines VA. She says her successes are a byproduct of the life-long support from her mother and her time in uniform.
“I am an amalgamation of all the good I have received, and I feel very grateful. Without my mom and without the Corps, I wouldn’t be in the place I am today.”
The former NCO admits that while she doesn’t wear the uniform anymore, she carries the lessons learned from that time and uses those to impact her service for VA.
“Being a Marine Corps Veteran means I must try my best to show others the best version of myself in everything I do. I know that’s what I owe to those who have been there for me. I take pride in serving those who served us all.”
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Siempre SERVIR y ayudar a quienes lo necesitan. La mente abierta y la formulación de pensamiento creador y como discernir, es lo más valiente que nuestro US MARINE nos pudo ofrecer en lealtad al espíritu y al ser humano,.
This young woman’s thoughts are a refreshing change from the chorus of typical young people today! She is a credit to her mother and the US Marine Corps.
Admittedly, this is my first read on this site, so there may be more articles on young people like Ayala-Lo. If not, there should be! Bravo, Medina!
Excellent . Really insightful
I too was a Marine, I was discharged at 29 palms. I Worked in suppy, but the experience was harsh at times. I was young and straight out of High school back in 1974. I struggled because I had to deal with racism, and it wasn’t concealed. I went in a lance/cpl because I had ROTC in high school, but instead of it enhancing my service it was used against me. Been trying to get help at the Veterans Hospital but all my Doctor want to do is fill my body with pills that have side effects. Just tired now, they send us to outside sources to be denied our Service connected Benifits. Bones Spurs, arthritis, hearing loss, shaving problem and knee problems. Never had these problems until I started running in those Military booths. Tired
Don’t ever give up Mr. Pennywell; My father was in the Marine Corp beginning in 1965 and served in Vietnam for 17 months. He passed away in September 2003 at the age of 55. My father never got to receive his 100% disability which he tried for over 30 years. I’m sure it was because it was black. Now the government has the PACT ACT that’s serving Marine Corps Veterans who once served. My mother passed away five years ago, and she to, didn’t live long enough to get all of my fathers benefits. But don’t you give, keep praying and believing God for what you so rightly deserve.
Semper Fi! Fellow PA.
Thank you! Sweet sister, I too am a Marine Corps Veteran. I currently work as a Primary Care Nurse in a small VA Clinic in Virginia. I work hard everyday to improve the lives of my fellow Veterans. It is fulfilling and it allows me to continue to serve my country. Merry Christmas and God Bless.
I am a 90 year old Marine Corp vet. I never regret joining.. I received benefits such as Education; became a teacher and got a home.
Very inspiring young lady. She is so very positive and I love that she credits her Mother as well as the Marine Corps.
Semper Fidelis!