2025/Aisley-

Being a military child is an experience like no other. It’s a life of constant adventure, change, and adversity. At 17 years old, I have already lived in more places than many people will in a lifetime. My journey began in Texas, but since then, I’ve moved to Arizona, Misawa (Japan), Wyoming, Hawaii, Mississippi, and now Okinawa, Japan. With my dad being a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force, my family has never stayed in one place for more than three years. However, with this, I have been blessed to travel all around the world no matter where we are stationed. While this lifestyle comes with its hardships, it has also provided me with countless incredible opportunities that I will forever cherish.

One of the biggest blessings that comes with being a military child is the exposure to many different cultures, environments, and people. I have experienced life in multiple states across the U.S. as well as overseas. Living abroad has opened my eyes to how vast and different each part of the world is. I’ve tasted new foods, seen breathtaking landscapes, and immersed myself in cultures that I would never have otherwise experienced. This constant movement has made me adaptable and given me so many qualities that I know will benefit me for the rest of my life.

Travel has been a huge part of my childhood, especially during the years when I was homeschooled up until 6th grade. I was blessed with my mom taking full advantage of our flexible education, giving me and my three brothers countless opportunities for adventure. Whether it was visiting castle ruins in Malaysia, hiking to the peak of Hawaiian mountains, boating through the caves of New Zealand, or simply spending time with my family on a small island in Thailand, I’ve had an education that’s extended far beyond textbooks.

Of course, being a military child isn’t always easy. Every few years, just as I start to feel comfortable somewhere, it’s time to pick up and move again. Saying goodbye to the home I’ve built, leaving friends, schools, and familiar places that I’ve grown fond of, is one of the hardest things a child in this lifestyle will go through. It’s difficult knowing that, while I’m adjusting to a new country, my past friends are continuing the life I grew to love without me. Starting over in a new place means navigating a new school, making new friends, and adjusting to a new environment. It can be overwhelming at times, but throughout the years, I’ve learned how to adapt quickly and embrace change. Each move has taught me resilience, the ability to embrace change, and how to be excited about new beginnings rather than anxious.

This is my last duty station with my family, as I prepare for college and the new life that will bring. I know that, with this, more moves, goodbyes, and new beginnings are ahead. However, I also know that with each transition- growth, adventure, and so many more opportunities that will continue to shape who I am are ahead of me. The military life hasn’t been easy, but it’s a life filled with adventures and opportunities I wouldn’t have experienced otherwise; and for that, I am forever grateful.

Despite the difficulties, I wouldn’t trade the experience of being a military child for anything. The adventures, the lessons, and the memories will stay with me forever. The life I’ve lived has taught me to cherish the moments I have with my family, to remain resilient in the face of change, and to appreciate the world for all of its diverse beauty. It has given me the chance to see the world, build connections with people from all areas of my life, and develop a level of independence that many my age haven’t yet had to face. The military life has truly been a blessing, and I am filled with gratitude for everything it has brought into my life.