In the heart of the Mojave Desert, tucked under the grip of a harsh dry climate, 13-year-old Georgia Cervantes flourished.
Cervantes and her family lived in the close-knit military community of Fort Irwin, California, which sits 30 miles from the nearest town. The Mojave’s desolate landscape in north San Bernardino County confined most youth activities within Irwin, and families banded together.
Here Cervantes tried it all: she twirled on the dance floor, pushed herself while swimming laps at the recreational center pool, and tussled with other girls on rugby and soccer fields.
