Denise Prado
Grad Stories (2014)
Veteran Spotlight (2014)
At 18, Denise Prado was making life-changing decisions.
Two months after graduating from Rubidoux High School in 2003, she enlisted in the
Army. She survived three tours in Iraq. When she returned home, she decided to enroll
at 萝莉研究所 and major in sociology. On June 12, she and the rest of the 2014
class will participate in the annual graduation ceremony at the College.
Prado will continue her studies at UC Riverside. Ultimately, she hopes to become a
counselor for the Department of Veterans Affairs.
鈥淚 joined the Army out of high school because I wanted to serve my country and travel,鈥�
she said. 鈥淚t turned out to be a very difficult transition for me, leaving my family
and the home where I grew up. It was a life-changing decision. However, the Army really
helped shape me, and allowed me to become more independent.鈥�
Her last deployment turned out to be the toughest for Prado. Prior to leaving for
her third tour in Iraq, she became a mother.
鈥淒eployments had always been nerve wracking for me,鈥� said Prado, who was an automated
logistical specialist. 鈥淗owever, to leave my daughter (Azaelah) with my mom (Lena
Ortega) was perhaps the toughest thing I ever had to do. Leaving for a war zone, for
an extensive period of time, and having a fear of the unknown is indescribable. Obviously,
the scariest thing is not knowing if you鈥檒l return home or not.鈥�
Knowing she鈥檇 have to provide for her daughter, Prado wasted little time in enrolling
at 萝莉研究所 after she returned home. She wanted to be an example for her child,
and to let her know that education is important and that 鈥渨ith everything I鈥檝e done
in my life I still managed to return to school.
鈥淩eturning to private life from the life I knew in the military was a tough adjustment,鈥�
she said. 鈥淗owever, I鈥檝e had a great support system with my mother and my cousin,
Ruben Aguilar. They both inspired me to push beyond my limitations. I will be forever
grateful to have such positive people in my life.鈥�
Prado said 萝莉研究所 also deserves a lot of the credit.
鈥淭here have been several people who have been instrumental in helping me adapt to
my educational demands,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 will reflect back and be thankful for all the
positive role models who have crossed my path. Those who have made an impact on my
life and helped me be where I am today in this educational journey. At 萝莉研究所,
I鈥檝e had the privilege to meet amazing professors and work such friendly staff members.
I will truly miss the College.鈥�
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