I’d do it all over again (Tiffany Padgett, Kadena High School Senior)
Growing up when I was younger, being a “military brat” was something I used to hate. But now that I’ve matured, I look at it as something that has become a very special part of who I am. Having a parent in the military is a harsh experience, especially when they are away or when you aren’t able to get in contact with them because of their job.
I think the hardest part to understand as a military brat was when you couldn’t find your parents at an event that was special or important to you. Whether it was your birthday, a school performance, a recital, or sport competition. Without my dad around, it made me feel upset and angry when I should’ve been more forgiving and understanding that it wasn’t actually his fault for not being there. My siblings and I would often comfort each other and be there for one another. And most importantly we would remind each other that even when he wasn’t around, that he still loves us no matter what.
Another hardship that all military brats face is having to PCS and make new friends. Because you move around so much, it can be hard to have stable friendships, especially when you know you or your friend might move in three to five years. For me, it was a bit different as I only had to move around 4 times from Japan to California to New York and back to Okinawa Japan. I have lived here since 2013 but making friends can still be hard when people move away, leaving you to start all over again.
Growing up, I was never someone who spoke up for myself or put myself out there. I’ve always only had a few friends, and sometimes none at all. But having people just come and go in my life has also given me a skill that I don’t think I could have developed by being in a civilian environment. That skill is learning not to be afraid to talk and be open with people. My dad is someone that has always been very friendly and kind to others, leaving a good impression on everyone he meets. Watching him treat strangers that way made me realise that I can’t be the one to just sit back and wait for others to come up to me, I have to be the one to take action.
I am now 18 years old and I still struggle with some of the negative impacts, but it has also made me a stronger and a better person. Being around the military environment has helped me grow in ways I could have never imagined, shaping me into the best possible version of myself. I still believe that I have room to grow and change. Being in this environment where I am surrounded by people who are always striving to be the best version of themselves, but who are also there to pick you up and support you when you need them is something I wish to be around for the rest of my life.
Most importantly I believe that we should always remember that military parents do their best to show support no matter the circumstance or situation they are in. They are strong individuals who have sacrificed so much for their families and their country. But my dad will always be my hero. A hero that has helped me and guided me through my hardest challenges even when he was going through challenges of his own.
I hope that I can be my dad’s military brat even in every other lifetime. I have no regrets and I would gladly do it all over again.
AloJapan.com