2025/Kousei-

Living as a military child is difficult yet filled with exciting opportunities. I remember starting school in Ikego as a kindergartener, exposed to an American school after going to a Japanese school. It was an exciting moment and completely new and different from early on and I was given that opportunity because I am a military child. When I finished second grade, my family and I moved across Japan, traveling hours, to come down to where I live now at MCAS Iwakuni. At the time, it seemed like an amazing idea with many opportunities to look forward to only to be struck with the fear of not knowing any one in my new school. Luckily, it was easy to adjust as everyone was super nice. But it is incredibly hard to imagine facing that feeling every 3 years like every other military child faces. On the other hand, living in the same place for 6 years is equally as hard. I have single handedly watched all my friends move in and out of Iwakuni as the years have passed. It only gets harder as I get older and it is hard to keep a friend longer than the 3 year period. This kind of lifestyle is hardly talked about but it is equally as challenging compared to moving every 3 years. I do believe that people with similar lifestyles are easier to connect with and this connection pulls us together. We understand how it feels and what others go through, and it forms a good true connection. Despite any of the bad, I really love that part of living as a military child.