17-year-old Fort Myers student joins Coast Guard after JROTC training

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA, (WINK) — A 17-year-old high school student was sworn into the United States Coast Guard on Tuesday morning.

Tristan Miranda, a senior at Riverdale High School, is preparing to embark on his journey with the Coast Guard after graduation. Family members clapped and cheered as he took his oath.

"Very exciting morning," Miranda said. "You know, I've been training for this moment to finally get past everything I need to get past to be able to swear in."

Miranda said his journey began four years ago when he joined the JROTC program at Riverdale High School.

"This program is amazing," Miranda said. "It's taken me so many places, including out of the state for certain events, I would highly recommend it to anybody who's not in it, because it's taken me this far."

Miranda is now looking ahead to his future with the Coast Guard.

"I'm really hoping to be stationed outside of the country, because then I get to travel a little bit and experience new cultures," Miranda said. "I'm also excited for the jobs that come with it."

His mother, Jessica Miranda, expressed her pride in her son's accomplishment.

"As a mom, this is everyone's dream to make sure that your kids are very successful in life," Jessica Miranda said. "And I'm very proud of him."

Miranda has basic training scheduled for August.