Many may ask, “What components make up the essence of who c/LTJG Marquez really is?” But does every question have an exact answer? Or maybe words used to describe a being only bring confusion and take the reader farther from the truth, as if trying to exactly translate one language from another, when it is known that words can’t just transcribe into each other without leaving out a piece of its meaning, a piece of its essence. Unfortunately, dear reader, I can’t possibly begin to describe the personality that enraptures my being and lifts up my soul, but I can give you a brief history of my life. Unedited, undiluted, uninhibited. My life as an army brat has been a bittersweet journey. I’ve lived in South Korea, Arizona, Germany, Florida, Belgium, and finally California. My freshman year, I joined Air Force JROTC in an American high school in Belgium. Before my junior year, I moved to Milpitas and from then on I became a Navy JROTC cadet. Which branch is better? The world may never know. I’m currently serving as the Academic Officer and Charlie Platoon Commander. I prepare the academic portion of the promotion tests, take care of the information on the gouge sheet, and I am the CO of the Academic Team. Join my team of intellect-seeking, brain-powered cadets. I enjoy playing sports, especially basketball. On most weekends, I’m working at Hollister Co. at the Great Mall. I do plan to graduate from college and have some part in a military lifestyle. I’m not so accurate with the details, but that’s what’s so great about life, the mystery.