2025/Eliza-

Hi, my name is Eliza. I am 11 years old. I am so grateful that I am a military child. I have 4 sisters. I have been in Okinawa, Japan for almost 9 years! My family is from Guam, but I was born in North Carolina. Sometimes, it is really hard being a military child. Because, your mom or dad, or even both, have to leave for war, or training. When I was about 5 or 6, my mom had to go to Thailand for training. I don’t really remember how long she was gone for, but she was probably gone for a really long time. It is also hard sometimes when your mom or dad goes on duty. To be honest, it is also really fun being a military child because you can travel to different places. For example, the places I traveled to (that I know of), are Thailand, Taiwan, Universal, Disney World, Disney Sea, Philippines, Guam, Tokyo, Kyoto, Fukuoka, and South Korea. Also, when you move or PCS, you get to try new foods and activities. It is also fun moving to different countries and meeting new friends. Well, I barely experienced moving because I only moved here when I was about 2 or 3. It is fun meeting new friends and teachers because I have wonderful friends and teachers here in Okinawa, Japan. I really hope you understood my experiences, and I really hope I feel empathy for yours when I read your essay.