2023/William-23588

I first realized my life as a military child was different when compared to “normal” kids when I was talking to my cousin on the phone. Something roughly on the topic of friendship came up and he said something about how he and his friend since fourth grade went to a local football game. He couldn't wrap his head around the fact that military children only have “best friends” for two to four years. As much as two friends promise they will keep in contact and stay tight, the military always has different plans. I then told him that my best friend at the time and I had only been friends for almost two months. He was so confused! How I was already best friends with someone I had only known for such a small amount of time seemed crazy to him. I then had to explain that military children have learned to adapt when making friends. Military children are aware that in order to best enjoy the 2–4-year assignment they should enjoy the friends, experiences, and opportunities that this life provides them.

Another experience I've had, which looking back has been an amazing opportunity, is the fact that I move periodically. This gives me an amazing advantage over my family in the states, because they have never moved anywhere away from their hometowns. Some of the opportunities the military has provided me with is the experience to have lived in Japan for the last seven, going on eight years of my life. I have experienced different cultures that “regular” kids have never heard of. While stationed in Japan I have visited South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, and traveled all over Japan. When I spoke to my cousin before about vacation, he didn't understand that I was traveling outside of the country I lived in. I may have grown up in a totally different environment from my family in the states, but I am able to adapt to new situations and I always look forward to the next adventure.