Abe Lincoln once said 'give me 6 hours to cut down a tree, and I'll spend the first 4 hours sharpening the axe'
I would try to impress upon you niece that after going to college, she would be in a position to give orders rather than take them. If making a difference is what is important to her, then she should consider what would put her in the best position to effectuate a difference.
But alas, the young want adventure. Joining the service will provide a good deal of that element, instantly. She'll probably even find a nice young man in a profession with a considerably higher ratio of men to women.
If she is academically strong, and even if money isn't too terribly constraining, then forget the junior college, go right into the 4 year program at a university. If she is in Texas, and the top 10% of her class, she is guaranteed admitance. I hate to say it, but junior college is often an extension of high school, something she probably wants to escape from. Plus, there's alot of half assed students in junior college, skip it unless she is highly motivated.
I begged my parents 20 years ago to sign my enlistment papers, they declined. Instead they footed the bill for my university education, thank god in retrospect.
She will want to make it on her own, and with little means, then the military is a viable option to do so. Open the option for her, tell her if college is something she would consider, then you will help her pay..if it is an option.
Otherwise, Air Force. Good luck with whatever.
Dredger
