Year: 11th gradeAge: 16School: Kadena High School, Kadena Air BasePlaces lived: South Carolina, Hawaii, California, and Okinawa, JapanFavorite Assignment: OkinawaFavorite Keepsake/Souvenir: Okinawa Soba flagPlans for the Future: Attend college and work in the state department so I can travel around the world to the different embassies.

Growing up a military child, it was easy to get used to moving. I’d lived in Hawaii, South Carolina (twice) and California, each time adjusting to a new place, but always prepared for the next move. But then when I was in 7th grade, my family learned we’d be moving to Okinawa, thousands of miles from the country I had always called home. I tried to look forward to this new adventure with enthusiasm. Not knowing what to expect, my family and I packed up and were on our way to start a new chapter in our lives.

Upon arriving in Okinawa, my mind was overwhelmed with all the new possibilities that came with living in a different country. I immediately tried to immerse myself in the new culture and soon made a few Okinawan friends. Through hanging out with my new friends, I began to learn a lot about the island and Japanese culture. We would spend our summer days walking around off base, learning Japanese phrases and myths and enjoying the new and unusual fruity drinks, such as Aquarius, C.C. Lemon and Calpis. Sometimes we would go snorkeling off the sea wall or visit Jusco, a Japanese mall with all types of stores ranging from clothes to groceries. Living in synch with this new culture taught me respect, etiquette and new ideas. I am very thankful that I had plunged head first into the culture, which, I believe helped create a better-rounded me.

But now as a high school junior, some pretty big decisions have come up in my life, with college being at the top of the list. Although I love Okinawa, I know my future is in the States. My parents and I discussed the possibility of extending another year so I could graduate with my class on Okinawa. But living overseas makes it hard to visit campuses and ultimately choose a college, which is why I made the decision to finish high school in the States.

I thought it was pretty cool that my parents included me in their decision on moving and allowed me to make an adult choice about my own future, but I couldn’t help but feel sad. I was scared at the thought of being the “new girl” again, having to make new friends just in time to leave them again when college rolls around. I was also envious of the people that knew they were staying on Okinawa. It was hard to listen to them plan their final year without me. My soccer career also became a concern because the level of playing in the States may be higher than in Okinawa, and I was afraid my ability might not measure up. Despite these feelings, I still felt strongly that I needed to focus on making smart decisions for college, something that would be hard to do overseas.

I know I made the right choice for my future. However, I will never forget the life lessons I’ve learned from living overseas and all the friends I have made along the way.

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