Belizean BDF Cadet Reevie Ysaguirre Shines in Taiwan, Earns Degree and Recognition

Clad in her BDF uniform and speaking fluent Mandarin, 26-year-old Belize Defence Force (BDF) cadet Reevie Ysaguirre has captured attention both at home and abroad after a viral interview highlighted her academic and military achievements in Taiwan.

On Wednesday, Ysaguirre officially earned her undergraduate degree in Foreign Languages from the prestigious Republic of China Military Academy. This marked the culmination of four intense years of study and military training. Her success, she says, is the result of relentless dedication, discipline, and a promise to fulfill her late father’s dream.

“During my four years in Taiwan, what kept me motivated was the fact that I know that I am exactly where my dad wanted to be,” she told News 5.

“Before he passed, he always wanted me to study in Taiwan. And he was the one who told me to go apply in the BDF because I might get an opportunity to study abroad.”

In addition to a full university course load, she undertook rigorous military training year-round, including special forces training, weapons handling, emergency medical technician (EMT 1) certification, and even served as a training officer for new recruits.

“This semester was like six months, and every summer and winter we had training,” she explained. “Sometimes I felt like giving up, but I said, ‘Hey, I am honouring my dad; I cannot give up.’”

Her message to young Belizean women is clear: don’t let fear define your limits. “You might say, ‘Oh, I am just a young lady; their training is too rigorous for me,’ but if you push yourself, you’ll be able to see your true abilities.”

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