2024/Alexandra-

Life as a military child can be challenging. You are faced with a lot of stressful situations that can greatly impact your life. Some problems that I have faced are moving. You aren’t just moving from one place to another, but you are also leaving behind the friends you have made and as well as family. You are also leaving behind the wonderful memories you have made with those people. Some military children have had to go through this since they were young.

I was one of those children. When I was 7 years old, my dad joined the military during the year of 2016. I stayed in Guam with my mom, my siblings, and her side of the family. It was definitely hard living without my father and only seeing him for a couple days every 1-2 years, but I loved being with my family in Guam and building a strong relationship with my cousins as well as my friends from school.

When the year of 2020 came, I eventually had to move with my father to the states. It broke my heart having to leave my family and friends behind, but I knew that my father wanted us to be with him. Moving was tough for me. The long plane ride, the different time zones, and having to adjust to it. It took me a while to get comfortable, but I was starting to realize all the opportunities I was going to have.

I was provided with a better learning environment along with new friends who understood the struggle of being a military child. My father and I also built a stronger relationship because of this. The military has got me to where I am now, and I am grateful for it.