In the world of higher education, few stories resonate as powerfully as that of Annie De La Cruz. A child of immigrants, a military spouse, and a mother of two—one with special needs—Annie’s journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the transformative power of education. As an alumna and current student, Annie exemplifies the commitment to self improvement and service that defines so many military families.
The Rewards and Challenges of Military Life
As a military family, Annie and her loved ones have experienced both the joys and trials of this unique lifestyle. Her husband’s nearly 15 years of service in the Navy have taken them across the country, with a recent move to Hawaii on the horizon. Annie highlights the friendships they’ve formed along the way as one of the greatest rewards. “Learning about different areas and meeting so many individuals from all walks of life has been one of the best parts,” she shares. “A lot of the lessons I’ve learned I can carry on to my daughters for them to use later in life.”
Yet, the challenges of military life have also been significant. Frequent moves require constant reinvention and adaptation. Annie reflects on the difficulty of being a solo parent for extended periods while her husband was deployed on carriers. “It was a blessing in disguise because it led me to the path that I am currently on,” she says. Her daughters, too, have had to learn resilience, adapting to new environments and coping with being far from extended family. Despite these challenges, Annie emphasizes the importance of leaning on each other and making the best of every situation.
A Legacy of Inspiration
Annie’s educational journey is deeply rooted in the values instilled by her family. Her parents, who immigrated from Mexico with minimal formal education, emphasized the importance of learning as a pathway to a better life. “My father always made it a point, even when I was a child, that education can open many doors. He inspired us to reach for better opportunities than working as a field worker,” Annie recalls. Their sacrifices and perseverance laid the foundation for Annie’s desire to achieve more.
Her husband also played a pivotal role in her decision to pursue higher education. Watching him balance rigorous work schedules while striving for academic success inspired Annie to follow suit. “His commitment to strive for a higher education while working insane hours really inspired me,” she explains. The University’s affordability, flexibility, and convenience made it the perfect fit for her busy life as a caregiver, mother, and military spouse.
Balancing Family and Education
Navigating the demands of a military family while pursuing a degree required creativity and determination. And just when it seemed like life couldn’t get any more challenging, Annie’s youngest daughter experienced a severe health crisis, requiring weeks of hospitalization.
But Annie found balance through her incredible commitment to her family and her goals. “You basically turn into an octopus, figuratively of course,” she jokes.
Annie balanced her coursework with her daughter’s medical needs, completing assignments and finals from the hospital room, the parking lot, and even during her daughter’s surgeries. “It takes listening to audio versions of my weekly readings while I cook dinner, having multiple devices with my assignments to work between appointments, and setting schedules,” she explains.
This period of intense challenge highlighted Annie’s extraordinary resilience. “Looking back, it was worth the fight,” she reflects. Her daughters remain her greatest sources of motivation: “My youngest daughter shows me fight every day, and my oldest taught me how to be kind to myself. When I need motivation for my current program, I look at those two little girls and remember why I try to be better.”
Education as a Path to Purpose
After graduating in 2023 with an
associate degree in public health, Annie is now pursuing her
bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences. Her academic journey is part of a larger goal: to become a physician assistant. She views her education as a tool not only for personal growth but also for service to others. “My degree in Health Sciences opens the door for my ultimate goal,” Annie explains. “I want to ensure that I cover all the other aspects of what true healthcare is.”
Before pausing her professional career to focus on her family, Annie worked as a Medical Assistant. Her experiences in the healthcare field and her educational background in public health have deepened her understanding of the resources and guidance individuals need to thrive. She is determined to help others navigate these challenges, just as she has done for her family.
Setting an Example for Future Generations
Annie’s story is not only one of personal triumph but also of setting a powerful example for her children and others. Her journey demonstrates that, even in the face of so many obstacles, it is possible to achieve excellence. By pursuing her dreams, Annie is teaching her daughters—and the broader community—to never settle and to always strive for greatness.
As a military spouse, Annie’s commitment to education reflects the strength and adaptability that define military families. Her journey underscores the importance of institutions like American Military University (AMU), which provides tuition savings and the support and flexibility needed for individuals to succeed despite life’s challenges.
Advice for Fellow Military Spouses
Annie’s experiences have given her a wealth of wisdom to share with others navigating similar paths. “Be kind to yourself. Take your time, it is not a race,” she advises. “Do not compare yourself to others and find the joy in it. It is never too late to reach for your goal and most importantly, prove to yourself that anything is possible in the beautiful chaos that is navigating children, military life, and pursuing a higher education.”
Her advice speaks to the heart of what it means to be a military spouse: resilience, adaptability, and the courage to embrace challenges head-on. Annie’s story illustrates that with determination and the right mindset, even the most daunting goals can be achieved.
A Bright Future Ahead
With her sights set on becoming a physician assistant, Annie De La Cruz’s story is far from over. Her journey, which embodies the values of perseverance, service, and ambition, serves as an inspiration to anyone facing obstacles in pursuit of their dreams. Annie’s achievements remind all of us that, with determination and the right support, no dream is out of reach.
To learn more about how AMU supports servicemembers and their families through reduced tuition and a catalog of robust resources, visit
www.start.amu.apus.edu.
Read more articles for the Veteran Community
here.