I wore the most beautiful pair of blue sandals to my first day of middle school. This was my first day with seven classes in one day. This was my first day at a school in America. My first day away from my friends that I had left behind in Europe. I was nervous and scared, but excited.

I remember the heels I wore to my high school graduation. The white ribbon that wrapped around my ankle made me feel like a distinguished woman about to strut into her bright and shining future in higher education. I was finally ready to walk in the world away from my parents and friends I had become so comfortable with.

As I packed up for one final move to my destination for the next four years, I only packed one pair of shoes this time—a size eight pair of sage green Danner combat boots. I threw my sneakers, sandals and rain boots into storage for the next year as I headed to Colorado Springs to start basic training.

Now a full blown cadet at the United States Air Force Academy, my shoes have changed, my role has changed and my goals have changed.

As I walked off the stage from my high school graduation, I thought I would be filling the shoes of the great heroes that served America decades before me. I thought I wouldn’t be brave enough to even think about being in those shoes. Was I ready for the commitment? Would I be able to make myself happy? Would I make my family and friends proud?

I now stare at my sage green boots, committed and passionate about my future and more determined than ever. I am trying not only to fill in the shoes of those before me, but to set my own path and hopefully make a difference in my nation’s Air Force, not letting it fall behind, but helping it keep up with the changing climate of military culture. My shoes are sturdy and durable, able to get me through not only the tough times while earning my undergrad, but the even tougher times I will encounter as an officer in the Air Force.

My friends at civilian colleges and universities continue to walk to class in their worn in Sperry’s and in trend Vans. As their lives and roles in this world play out at a more gradual pace, their shoes are also changing. Whether it be to black leather loafers, preparing for an interview for an internship, or slipping on what might be some of the most unattractive, but comfortable sneakers for a long shift at work, our shoes are always changing. So take a look down and see what shoes you are wearing. Think of where you have come from and all that is in store for you.

You might not be seeing the shoes you want, but it is never too late to make a change and walk a different path.