My name is Carrie Sue Garlick, and I graduated from cycle 6, 5th platoon at the California Grizzly Youth Academy.  I have no idea where to begin, but I would just like to say my life after Grizzly has been full of nothing but adventure and opportunity. I am getting ahead of myself,  I came to Grizzly with no hope of a future, I was a straight F student and ditching all the time. I was grounded to the point that I had no social life and I knew it was my fault. I remember when the idea of Grizzly was presented to me, I completely refused and fought with my parents about even giving it a chance.

Then one morning I woke up, went to school and did the same old thing, but finally got tired of my same old self-destructive days and I told my mom I would at least go for a tour and see what Grizzly had to offer.  My mom was happy with me for the first time in years!  We arrived for the tour and I thought it was amazing, but my mom was terrified and kept saying, "your not a bad girl, we can figure something else out."  The moment our views changed, I knew then that I had to do it. I wanted to go and I wanted to make the difference in my life. While I was there I had good grades and a positive attitude. What I took from Grizzly is that it was my choice and it had always been my choice on what to do with my life and that I was better than that little girl who first started out confused and terrified of life.  On the day of graduation, I was a young woman full of ambition. The following months after graduation I went back to school, graduated and applied for college.  I got in because of the recommendations from Grizzly.  I, unfortunately, was unable to attend due to money but two weeks or so later I joined the Coast Guard. I have been in three and a half years now and currently stationed in Key West on a medium endurance cutter that is designed for law enforcement and search and rescue.

I have gotten to see the world and have traveled to Japan, Alaska, Grand Cayman, Barbados, Columbia, and Cuba. I am sure there are a few places I am forgetting, but by the time I am out of the Coast Guard I will have enough money and education to open my own business. I could not have done this without Grizzly and the staff that makes it what it is.  I honestly would do it all over again...every step, breathe, and sore muscle. I know with all my heart that Grizzly is and always will be the place that gave me a chance at life. So I end with this...any former cadet and/or future cadet reading this -  anything is possible and don't let anyone have you believe otherwise! Remember you make the choice to go and succeed so it is you who was capable all along - Grizzly just simply "PUSHES" it out of you!

Thank you!  With much respect, 
Petty Officer Carrie S. Garlick 
United States Coast Guard