2025/Mikaela-

Growing up around military kids has always been difficult because there have been numerous occasions where I became really good friends with someone and they would move shortly after. I struggled to make long lasting friendships because after experiencing many close friends moving away, I was scared to find new people, afraid they would leave also. I created a mentality that I don’t need people to make me happy which made me distance myself from others. Despite being scared of losing my friends, once I climbed out of that shell and socialized more, I met new people whom I connected to. They became my best friends and came to know the deepest parts of me. Through this experience I learned that I cannot control the things happening around me, but to not let that change or control my actions. I must thrive in change. I must learn to love myself and to be okay with being alone by learning that I shouldn’t rely on others to bring me joy. This doesn’t change the fact that it is hard losing friends because they move away, but it taught me to open up to new opportunities and new people. If we continue to do this we will soon find those few individuals who stick around forever, regardless of distance.