2024/Adrienne -

“Where are you from?” It’s one of the simplest and easiest questions you can answer when you meet someone. However, in my case, it is not as simple as it seems. It is actually one of the most difficult questions I try avoiding. Someone may answer this question with one place in mind, but it is a long journey for me that hasn’t ended. Having been raised in different places of the world, growing up was different than the common family.

After traveling all over the world, and attending nine different schools, I have learned various lessons that last a lifetime. One important thing I learned about myself growing up was that I couldn’t imagine myself anchored in one location. I was given the opportunity to experience different cultures, values, beliefs, and food. Being a military child and having the ability to call many places my home has affected me greatly in the best way possible. It has inspired my ultimate goal to become a midshipman at the United States Naval Academy and later become an Officer so that I can continue to travel.

Enduring a nomadic childhood has plenty of gains but it also has its disadvantages. The first time I learned that my family was moving from California to Texas, it was the most devastating and scary news a six year old could hear. The thoughts of having to transfer schools, leaving all your friends behind, and not knowing if you’ll ever come back ran through my head. I felt puzzled and couldn’t make sense of what was happening. I often became known as the “new student” who had a hard time making friends and fitting in. Over time, I realized that frequently moving can be a rewarding experience. I have built character, confidence, became well-versed, and have a broad worldview. I was exposed to diverse cultures and the countless ways of living it.

An important aspect of being a military child is that relationships are invaluable. At a young age, I began to quickly understand the pros and cons of making friends. At first, I tried not to get too close with my peers because my mind ingrained the phrase, “I would eventually move away from them.” As I got older, I recognized the value of the people in my life. I found that when you know something is temporary, you should cherish every moment. Many people have taught me to be open to friendships and to teach this wisdom to others. You never know when you’ll cross paths with an old friend.

Lastly, a salient insight I have come to realize is that change may be hard, but change is growth. A few of the most recognizable growths I have been told have been noticed is my self-reliance, adaptability, maturity, and resilience. Maturity works hand-in-hand with being able to adapt and cope under different circumstances. I have become aware of holding honor, sacrifice, duty, discipline, and respect while living in numerous host nations. A good character means to uphold integrity, the quality of being true and having strong principles in the face of adversity. In my household, I was taught to make my bed every morning with precision because it is the first successful thing you can accomplish each day. To build structure and routines after every adventure allows me to strive for better morals and ethics.

The process of moving around trying to figure out an answer to “Where are you from?” will always remain an unanswered question. Despite the fact that it plays an important role as to who I am and that I can’t answer it for myself, I was able to answer the question, “What did you get out of being a military child?” I was able to learn innumerable foundations about myself and will be able to continue discovering new things as I move forward. Not only was I taught valuable principles, I will be prepared to make a constructive impact and lasting impression on the peers I will lead, contribute to the community, and greatly enhance the society. The opportunity of being a military child has granted unimaginable experiences and allows my family to collect all types of magnets on every voyage we get.