Mickiela – Combat Veteran

<< Please drag the arrows to see before & after underwater transformation >>

My name is Mika Montoya, and today I had the incredible experience of an underwater photo shoot.
I signed up for the Army at 17 to secure my future, fully prepared to sacrifice my life. I served in the Army for eight years as a combat veteran, including a deployment to Iraq in 2004 and 2005.

This photo shoot allowed me to let go and feel truly comfortable, both with the directions Erena gave me and with myself in front of the camera. The hardest part was surrendering control and trusting that I could do this without feeling like I was suffocating. I tend to prefer being in control, so letting go was a challenge—but in a safe environment, it felt freeing. hope this image serves as a reminder to anyone feeling helpless or hopeless—especially women—that we are capable of anything we set our minds to. No excuses. Adapt and overcome.

Next time, I’d love to try this in the ocean!