Mylee Ronek stands out not just for her infectious sarcasm and sharp wit, but for the deep sense of pride she carries for her older brother, Brandon. Brandon, just two years older than Mylee, recently enlisted in the U.S. Marines and has already left for boot camp in California. For Mylee, his departure has sparked feelings of admiration, worry, and a whole new perspective on her own life and future.

“He’s always been so disciplined, way more than me,” Mylee admits with a smile that’s equal parts fondness and amazement. “He’s been preparing for this forever. While I’m still sleeping in, he’s already gone to the gym, cleaned the house, and probably read a book,” she says, shaking her head in disbelief. “I don’t know where he gets it from.”

That sense of drive has always set Brandon apart, and it’s something Mylee has admired from a distance. Though they are opposites in many ways—Mylee being more of a self-proclaimed “cerebral type” with a love for writing and psychology—her brother’s determination has left a lasting impression. “He’s the kind of person who says he’s going to do something and then actually does it. It’s really inspiring,” she says. “He decided to join the Marines because it’s the hardest thing, and he wants to be the best at it. That’s just who he is.”

Mylee’s pride in her brother is palpable, but it’s not without a layer of worry. With a family that’s already experienced loss, the thought of her brother entering a dangerous profession weighs heavily on her mind. “It’s scary,” she confides. “You never know what might happen, especially since he’s in the Marines. But at the same time, I know this is exactly what he wants to do. He’s been training for this moment for so long.”

As for Mylee herself, she’s on a journey of self-discovery, one that is filled with dreams of an exciting and meaningful life. Though she and her brother may be following different paths, she’s carving out her own unique future. “I’ve always been more interested in the mind, in psychology, and in forensics,” she explains. While Brandon focuses on the physical challenges of the military, Mylee is drawn to the complexities of human behavior and the intricacies of the human mind. “I guess you could say he’s the brawn, and I’m the brain,” she jokes with her characteristic wit.

Though she’s considered leaving Momence and pursuing her education out of state, the thought of stepping into the vast unknown is daunting. “It’s expensive, and honestly, really scary,” she admits. For now, Mylee’s plan is to stay closer to home, possibly attending college in Chicago to pursue her interests in psychology and forensics. She’s still figuring it out, but that’s part of her journey—learning, growing, and making decisions that feel right for her.

Mylee’s pride in her small-town roots has grown since her family moved to Momence from Southern California in 2017. While initially hesitant about living in such a close-knit community, she’s come to appreciate the unity and support that comes with small-town life. “It’s really comforting,” she says. “Everyone knows everyone, and when something happens, the whole town comes together. I never had that growing up in California, where everything felt so big and disconnected.”

Though Mylee might joke about her “teenager vibe” and her sarcasm, it’s clear that she’s thoughtful, reflective, and deeply proud of her family. She’s also aware of the responsibility that comes with having a brother who’s now serving the country. But for all the pride she feels for Brandon, Mylee is focused on making her own mark. Whether it’s through her future career in forensics or simply by being a supportive and loving sister, she’s determined to forge her own path.

In the years to come, there’s little doubt that both Mylee and Brandon will make their family and their community proud. While Brandon serves as a U.S. Marine, Mylee will continue to find her way, inspired by her brother’s courage but grounded in her own aspirations. The Ronek family may have left California behind, but in Momence, they’ve found a new home—and in Mylee, the town has found yet another bright young woman with a future full of promise.