Being a military child has shaped my life by making me show courage. Some examples of this are moving, having to switch schools, and when my dad leaves for deployment. This causes me to persevere through countless challenges.

Having to move to different states has made me show courage in many different ways. One example is, I have to leave my friends everytime we move and sometimes it makes me extremely sad. Another example is having to reset my routine at each new duty station. Can you imagine moving every three years and not even picking where you move? This particular challenge has been very prominent in my life. When we move we are not even remotely close to any of our extended family members. This causes it to be a huge trek to go visit other members of my family. Just imagine all of the birthday parties, family trips, and dinners I miss because we live so far away.

When my dad has to deploy to different places, it is very distressing. I have to be very independent because it is just my mom and me. I have to do my part in helping her around the house and excelling in school. When deployed, most of the time my dad goes to areas where there could be a war between two countries. He has to patrol the border between the nations. This takes courage because I never know what could happen.

I am constantly changing schools. I have been to four schools. When I change schools I have to get accustomed to new rules, procedures, and schedules. Being the new kid is treacherous because in most schools people have known each other for years, but I haven’t. Luckily, I go to military schools so everyone knows what I have to go through. I just can’t imagine going to public schools where students don’t understand the intense challenges I face.

Coping with these challenges has made me stronger. Something I do is take a break, especially when my dad is deployed. Something else that helps is to talk about everything that is on my mind even if it is to myself or writing in a notebook. A way that I make new friends is to try to start up casual conversation. The challenge I probably have the most problem with is leaving my friends, most of the time I just cry it out. It really helps to think that even if I stayed there they would move in the next three years.

Being a military child has made me an entirely different person in comparison to the average 10 year old. It has made me extremely courageous. It has taught me to be independent and how to cope with extremely troublesome obstacles. Moving around the country, my dad being deployed, constantly changing schools, and maintaining a healthy mindset while doing so, are just a few ways I have grown as a military child. The changes I face each day are difficult. However, the sacrifices I make impacts my family, school, and country in a positive way. I know I will continue to be courageous throughout my life even as an adult.