Katrina Riley

'Taking care of 5 younger brothers is no easy feat, one day her parents suddenly disappeared and she was left taking responsibility for her younger siblings. She quickly had to become headstrong, resilient and capable. When an MMDG draft enlistment letter arrived for her, there was no refusal, the financial benefits to her family would be immeasurable, but it meant her siblings being without her help. She had to go, putting hope and faith in the eldest of her younger brothers to take on her responsibilities. She hated herself for it, and can only hope they are doing okay while she does what she can in the MMDG. She will experience life altering events and be forced to learn to rely on others. She can't hide struggling forever and most importantly she can't protect everyone.'