By Galen Newsum
Marketing and Public Relations Intern

Sergeant Rebeca Cruz-Esteves doesn't have "down time."

A reservist in the Army National Guard as well as a full-time student, she is a perfect example of how Temple's veteran and active duty students take charge of their futures while protecting their country. 

"I joined the Army National Guard for school originally, then I developed a real love for it over the years.  My Dad was also in the Army for 23 years, but by the time I was born he was off active duty so I grew up around the reserves lifestyle," said Cruz-Esteves, 25, a Human Resource Management Major at Temple. "My MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) is CBRN, which stands for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear specialist — we're first responders if anything goes wrong. I love the vision, the selflessness, and being able to help people."

As part of the reserves, Cruz-Esteves typically spends two weeks over the summer and one weekend per month at the required training. 

"It's a little different for me though because I'm part of the first responders. For instance, last year I spent the entire summer away from home and had to take online classes instead," she said. "I had a couple different job options when I joined, among them water purification and supply logistics, but the mission of this MOS stood out to me the most."

Over the years, the Army has taught Cruz-Esteves more than just what her specialty entails.

"Discipline has across the board been the most important thing I've learned in the Army. It's been very helpful in school trying to juggle and stay on top of five different things at a time," she said. "For example, I was on active training orders— I was in charge of my squad and driving the bus, among other things— but during that time period I also had to make sure everything for school got done. It's made me very focused and determined."

Her discipline and organization skills have been essential to her success in the classroom, according to Cruz-Esteves.

"I plan each month in advance in my calendar book, then fill in the day-to-day things as I go," she said. "I have to have a detailed schedule and cross things off as I go so I don't get confused!"

When looking for a university to attend, Temple was the obvious choice, said Cruz-Esteves.

"The Fox School of Business has the best reputation in the area, and my mom also went here for a couple years. I actually grew up five blocks from Main Campus so I took a lot of classes there originally, but now most of my classes are here at Ambler," she said. "I have a passion for people, business and helping others. I didn't want my only objective to be generating profit, and Human Resources fit all of my talents in one package."

After her expected graduation in Spring of 2016, Cruz-Esteves is mapping out her future in the military and in the job market.

"I'd like to enroll in warrant officer school — hopefully in logistics or HR as an administrator," she said. "As far as the civilian sector, I'd also like to pursue a career in HR."

Cruz-Esteves has some advice for her fellow veterans and active duty servicemen and women thinking about pursuing a degree.

"College is definitely worth it. It helps to progress both your military and civilian career," she said. "It is daunting, but don't give up because it will pay off.  If it ever gets hard, reach out to any of the veterans organizations on campus."

Cruz-Esteves is a member of several veterans organizations at Temple.

"I'm part of the Women's Veteran Forum and the Veterans Advisory Committee. The Veterans Advisory Committee is great because they're working to make Temple a 'safe place' for veterans," she said. "The overall goal is to create a resource center where veterans can hang out and do homework or learn what benefits they're offered because of their service."