High school senior preps for The Citadel challenge

HUNTSVILLE, AL, UNITED STATES

11.30.2018

Story by David San Miguel 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville

By David San Miguel
U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville

“I didn’t have the privilege of a carefree childhood. I knew to positively change this world, I had to be the best I could be,” Tatiana Ayala said. “If I failed, I’d go back to a position many find themselves in today – never accomplishing their dreams.”
Being the best she could be, the high school senior said, includes prelaw and legal studies at The Citadel following graduation this May from Columbia High School.
Long recognized for excellence in the education and development of principled leaders, Ayala hopes the military college will help her launch a successful career in the Army Judge Advocate General Corps.
Still she admits, it’s a far distant cry from what she endured as a child and one that hadn’t come without pain or a lot of hard work.
“At a young age, I already knew the harsh reality of the world,” she said. “I was afraid to move on and continue to an unknown future. It took me five years to wholeheartedly trust people.”
That distrust and lack of confidence stemmed from the uncertainties of her parent’s divorce, the bullying at school and mistreatment by some of her teachers. “It all played a role in who I am today,” she said.
Despite the challenges, Ayala somehow drew strength and encouragement from her parents as well as a senior military officer who took her under his wing and mentored her.
“My mom had a tough life, yet she utilized those hardships and transformed them into strength. She has always been everything I strive to be,” Ayala said. “My dad fought bravely for our country and is my hero in more ways than one. He guides me every day to become a better person, a better cadet and future Soldier.”
The youth also benefited from her mentor who, coincidentally, was a former graduate of The Citadel. He had taken a special interest in her success and offered her advice and much-needed encouragement.
“He shared with me how he overcame adversity and life challenges to reach his goals,” she said. “Then he showed me how I too could attain mine.”
Those relationships steadied, then helped Ayala redirect and focus on her education and career ambitions.
She enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, a rigorous international education and assessment program designed to challenge students to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners for a more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
“Academically, my biggest challenge was joining the IB program,” she said. “There were weeks I sacrificed martial arts and wrestling to study in a library; however, using a planner, I was quickly able to participate in family activities and sports again.”
“Her drive comes from the confidence and strength her mom has instilled in her,” said her father, retired Chief Warrant Officer 4 Edwin Perez-Montalvo.
Today, whether it’s sparring with a taekwondo partner or competing as the only girl on the boys wrestling team, Ayala overcame the fears that prevented her from making new friends or comfortably trusting them.
Attributes her mother said has helped her overcome challenges she faced growing up.
“Tatiana has a very competitive personality,” Carmen Perez-De La Matta, contract specialist at Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville, said. “She has taken the high road when it comes to overcoming every challenge that she has come across related to bullying, schoolwork and sports.
“My daughter is a very dedicated student and works very hard to get things done right the first time,” she added. “She has an unquestionable commitment to excellence and takes pride not only in achieving academic success but in helping others achieve the same or higher level of success. Most importantly, she is a true team player with a contagious drive and determination to be part of something greater than herself.”

• Date Taken: 11.30.2018
• Date Posted: 12.13.2018 16:28
• Story ID: 301821
• Location: HUNTSVILLE, AL, US