MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Growing up as a military child is a unique experience. From an early age, you understand your family is part of something greater than itself. When your parent is serving their country, there’s a deep pride that comes from that. Life in the military can feel chaotic at times, but there’s also a strong sense of stability—and that combination shapes your character in powerful ways.
My dad enlisted in the Navy in 2004 before I was born, and has spent nearly 21 years serving our country while providing for our family and way of life. Being raised around sailors and Marines, I always saw the military as a natural career path—one where I could serve my country, just like my dad, and support a future family of my own.
When I was 11, my dad was stationed overseas in Italy and I was thrust into a completely unfamiliar culture. At the same time, the presence of American traditions on base created a unique balance. When we were in Italy, I did my best to stay active on base with extracurriculars like clubs, sports teams or even just skating with the friends I had made.
I was a part of the base swim team for several years and although it wasn’t my first choice and I wasn’t Michael Phelps, being a part of the team helped me grow. Practices were rarely easy, and though I didn’t appreciate it at the time, those hard practices made the easy ones that much more rewarding; not to mention the fact that my skill in the water increased every day.
Over a couple of years, I had gone from barely knowing how to stay afloat to consistently competing in meets and eventually making it to a couple of championship meets. One of the best parts about being on a sports team overseas is that regardless of whether it’s a school sport or a club sport on base, there was often the chance to travel to other countries to compete with other schools or bases. Being a part of a team and working towards a goal helped me mature and traveling to other countries helped me become more independent, all from a younger age than I would’ve been able to if I was in the States.
During our time overseas, I made some of the best friends of my life—friends who have stayed close despite the hundreds of miles and years between us. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to begin exploring the world at such a young age and gain a broader perspective on life—something that wouldn’t have been possible without my dad’s service to the Navy.
While I’m grateful for the opportunities and friendships, being part of a military family also comes with sacrifices. We’ve spent long stretches away from extended family, moved frequently and had to leave behind people and places we loved. Each new duty station brought culture shock and the challenge of starting over. But even in the most unfamiliar places, the support of family, new friends and a tight-knit military community made each new location feel like home.
The military has played a huge role in my personal growth. I wouldn’t be who I am today without the people I’ve met, the places I’ve been, or the experiences I’ve had. It’s given me a greater resilience to overcome hard times, greater flexibility in the face of change or adjustment and taught me social skills from the times my family would move and start over somewhere new.
The military means different things to different people. For some, it’s just a job; for others, a calling. For me, it’s been a constant—something that has shaped my values, my perspective and the path I want to follow. Without my dad’s service and the life we’ve lived because of it, I might have never seriously considered joining. But now, I see it not just as an option, but as a meaningful way to create my own path and carry on his legacy of service.