I was born into the life of a military family. My father retired two years ago from the Army after 23 years of service to the country. I was born in Germany and I've lived in more places than many people have probably visited. I've gone to almost a dozen schools and I have met more people than you can possibly imagine and yet, I am fine.
Many people think that the instability of a military life is hard on kids, and I won't lie and say it isn't hard, but it is so worth it. The memories, the experiences, the things I've seen and lived through have helped me become the young woman I am today and I am nothing short of grateful for them.
Growing up, I hated moving, I hated not seeing my dad all the time, the birthdays, soccer games, school events he missed, having to move every 2-3 years and leaving all my friends behind. Looking back, all these events helped mold me and my character into the person I am today. Our lives may be different from the lives of a civilian, but the life of a military brat is one of the most worthwhile. Here are some of the best parts of being a military brat:
1. Living on base
If you've ever been on a military base, you know that it is a little city surrounded by a gate that only certain people can get into. In this little city, depending on how big the base it, there is everything you can possibly imagine. I have been on bases with malls, hospitals, movie theaters, schools, all types of restaurants, pools and more.
And have you heard of a commissary and PX? The commissary has everything the best grocery store could provide, and the PX has no tax and endless options that compare to Walmart. You're surrounded by people who live the same lives as you, and you don't have to worry about feeling lonely about things like deployment, because 9/10, if someone in your family is deployed, so is someone else's.
2. Traveling
I was born in Germany, and after that I have lived in 7 different places during my 17 years of being a military brat. I have visited more than half of the States and I have been to over 10 countries in Europe. Of course, I am not the only child who has grown up traveling, but I also know many people who have never left the state of Virginia, and knowing that I've seen some of this huge world and gone to places that some people only dream of is a blessing.
3. "So, where are you from?"
Ah, the dreaded question. Everyone someone asks me this question, I sit there and ponder for about 30 seconds because honestly, I don't know where to say. Do you mean the place I've lived the longest? The place I felt more at home? Or where my parents are from? So many choices to choose from, but really I'm from everywhere. Everywhere I've lived has changed me and affected me in different ways, and I can gladly say that I am from everywhere I've lived and everywhere I've been.
4. You're Talented At Packing
When you find out that you have to move in less than a month to a whole new place, you quickly learn to pack fast, say your goodbyes and get ready to go. Keeping things at a minimal is key and God forbid, you don't pack your things safely because everyone knows that movers have no remorse when it comes to moving your things around. When you're a military brat, you travel so much you practically live out of a suitcase and if you don't know how to pack your thing efficiently and quickly, it will get left behind.
5. You Know A Little Bit of Every Language
I am fluent in two languages, almost three, and I can speak in about three others from living in Europe. Not only do many people only know one or two languages, but it is extremely difficult to learn a new language the older you get, and living and traveling to so many places as a young person helped me become more well-rounded, and say the most random words in Dutch, Italian and German.
6. You're Well-Rounded in Every Way
My favorite part of being a military brat has got to be that I am so well-rounded when it comes to diversity and new cultures. I have encountered so many different cultures from going to an American School in The Hague, Netherlands and those years at that school opened my eyes to things that I know I would have never experienced if my father hadn't lived in the military and we would't have gotten stationed over there.
Living all over the United States and Europe has opened my eyes to so many cultures, people, languages, ethnicities and backgrounds that it has affected my life in everything from politics to the music I listen to. My ability to adapt to new situations quickly has come from my constant moving around, and it has aided me in school, the work place and just life.
I adapt to new situations quickly, I am more open and sympathetic to people, and I know how great it is to serve others and constantly help. My career choice was based on my military life, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Growing up, I didn't see the blessings that would come from being a military child, but now, I see that it has benefitted me more than it has hurt me.
