Determination: Choosing to Keep Going

Determination is not about never failing. It is about refusing to let failure have the final word. My

journey to becoming a member of the United States Coast Guard taught me that success is

rarely a straight path. It is built through setbacks, sacrifice, faith, and the decision to keep

moving forward even when everything seems to be working against you.

My journey began in 2024 when I made the decision to join the military. People often asked me,

“Why the Coast Guard?” My answer was always simple: I found peace by the water. I wanted to

challenge myself mentally and physically while serving a purpose greater than myself. I also

wanted to build a future that could create generational opportunities for my family. I knew the

Coast Guard would develop my discipline, leadership, and character while allowing me to serve

something bigger than myself.

That dream was quickly put on hold when I was medically disqualified because of severe

anemia. Hearing that I was not eligible was heartbreaking. For months, my life revolved around

weekly blood draws, doctor appointments, and iron infusions while I fought to become medically

qualified. There were moments when I questioned whether I would ever get the opportunity I

had dreamed about, but I refused to quit. Eventually, I received the news that I was finally

eligible.

I immediately began training and earned my first opportunity to attend boot camp. However,

after arriving, I was discharged because of a dental issue that required extensive treatment.

Returning home was one of the hardest moments of my life. I had to face family, friends, and

mentors who had proudly encouraged me and believed in me. I felt like I had let everyone down.

The challenges didn’t stop there. After returning home, I learned I needed nearly $10,000 worth

of dental work. It felt overwhelming. At the same time, I struggled to meet the physical fitness

standards. I needed to run a mile and a half in 14 minutes, but I was running it in nearly 20

minutes. There were days I cried, prayed, and questioned whether I would ever make it. Instead

of allowing disappointment to define me, I chose to ask myself what I could learn from the

experience.

Every setback became motivation. I kept running. I kept training. I kept praying. Slowly, my time

improved until I finally passed my physical fitness test and earned another opportunity to attend

Coast Guard boot camp. This time, I refused to let anything stand in my way. I graduated boot camp and finished my mile-and-a-half run in just 13 minutes and 30 seconds an improvement of more than six

minutes from where I started. I was honored with the Most Physically Improved award, a

recognition that represents every obstacle I had to overcome to get there.

Looking back, I realize determination is not measured by how easily you reach your goals. It is

measured by how many times you choose to get back up after life knocks you down. My journey

taught me that setbacks are not the end of the story they are often the beginning of something

greater. I am incredibly grateful for every word of encouragement I received along the way, especially

from my family, friends, and mentors who never stopped believing in me, even when I struggled

to believe in myself. Through every challenge, my faith remained my foundation, and I continue

to trust God to guide my path.

When people see me wearing the uniform today, they see someone who graduated Coast

Guard boot camp. What they don’t always see are the iron infusions, the medical

disqualification, the dental discharge, the financial hardship, the countless training miles, the

tears, the prayers, and the resilience it took to make it back.

My story is proof that success does not belong to those who never fail. It belongs to those who refuse to stop trying.

I present to you; an I'm HIP Scholar, Coastie Kincade!