2024/Leah-

Born in Yokosuka, Japan, I went to a public Japanese kindergarten then to an on-base kindergarten at Atsugi, Japan. At the time, I barely had a concept that there were other places than the United States, Japan, and Guam. Then, I got the news at the end of 2nd grade that I was moving to Iwakuni. At first, I remember being completely clueless, but very excited. It was going to be a new cool place with a bridge for all I knew. And so, I moved to the Iwakuni Base. I reunited with a childhood friend of mine and also made new friends. At this point I thought I was living the life. As for my knowledge of the military, I found out there were different groups and moving was normal for everyone. Three years later it was my turn again, I moved to the U.S. I remember the mixture of bittersweet excitement. I missed my friends quite a lot, but it was a new place! I went to a public school at Hanford, and it was so fresh. Everything was so different, and I absolutely loved it there. I’ve made good friends and felt new air. However, I’ve also learned that being a military child isn’t quite normal, nevertheless a great thing to add on to my life. Of course, there were people I had to leave on the way. But if I weren’t in this situation now, I don’t think I’d be so eager to want to see the world. Obviously, I’ve never been in other people’s shoes, and I won’t know their stories, but in mine this “title” is nothing but opportunity and just another way to experience how strong family and friend’s bonds are. I believe it has made me stronger and grow to be my best.