An underprivileged but determined New York City High School graduate dreams of becoming a doctor by joining the life-altering U. S. Military despite many obstacles and unforeseen events that turn his life upside down.

SYNOPSIS:

MICHAEL LOPEZ (17), a deprived but driven high school senior from a rough neighbourhood in Queens, New York, is desperate to become a doctor in an attempt to help his ill mother, GLADYS. But his anguish intensifies when his know-it-all girlfriend DANIELLE (17) pressures him to leave New York to go to an out-of-state college and his Guidance Counsellor tells him that a career in medicine is lengthy and can cost $100,000.

Coincidentally, Michael meets a Military recruiter who convinces him that a career in the Military will provide him with the financial aid necessary if he enlists. But since Michael suffers from a medical condition, he doubts he will be accepted as he is also discouraged by his mother to enlist. As Michael struggles with his decision, his best friend STEVEN (17) encourages him to exercise and improve his health and physical condition.

Subsequently, Michael is accepted and sent to Somalia to serve as part of a humanitarian mission in 1993 during UNOSOM – II. Unfortunately, his new realities adjusting to the new norms of the Military, participating in dangerous missions, and seeing the poverty people face in Somalia due to famine and a civil war that has ripped the nation apart for years begin to take a toll on his mental health.

In addition to being a rookie, Michael suffers tremendous humiliation and pain, and he is also antagonized by a contemptible superior, Ron Charles, who inflicts further suffering on the tormented young man.

But as Michael fights to move on with his life, his mental issues and PTSD return when he witnesses 9/11 in New York City, working in a hospital and encountering the man that abused him many years ago. In addition, his fears and anguish return as he begins to face a new obstacle in his life: his “sexual disorientation”. Nonetheless, he finds new hope in a new romantic relationship with a strong-willed man named JEFFREY (19).

Finally, when Michael discovers Jeffrey's plan to join the Military, new conflicts add to this intricate story. But neither Michael sharing his horrifying experiences, nor incredulous Jeffrey revealing a troublesome truth can provide Michael with the final push to confront life and avoid an unimaginable catastrophe.