But it may have provided Sonia an early opportunity to develop the character to fend for herself.

FORBES: Sonia Sotomayor's Next Big Gig: Mentor in Chief

Suppose someday we all disappeared and she had to fend for herself?

NEWYORKER: Gravel

"She grew up having to fend for herself, " he says.

CNN: Miraculous survivors: Why they live while others die

All that matters is that a fellow soldier wasn't leaving his or her comrade on the battlefield there to fend for himself or herself.

CNN: Troops are ready for the end of 'don't ask, don't tell'