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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