Since I was a little girl I have the blessing in the curse of being what they call a “Navy Brat” which I never understood why brat had to be in it. I mean I didn’t ask to be in the military, so why do I have to be a brat? Moving every three years was a normal thing and sometimes you would live somewhere for two years and then move. Don’t get it wrong though, being a Navy kid is not all bad. It has its ups and downs like anything would.

A pro of it would be that, as a Navy kid, I was more well-traveled then many of my peers by age 12. I had already seen places like Japan and Hong Kong. I was enriching by different cultures growing up. My sister was born in London for crying out loud. Of course I was born in regular old Texas, but still I have seen more in my life then kids in my life. I have seen the Buddhist Temples and have witness a bullet train. My ability to travel has made me open-minded to all new things. I am more willing to try new foods and travel. My upbringing has allowed me to experience culture instead of learning it out of text book. I have seen places and tasted food and know more about culture.

Now being a Navy brat isn’t all fun. The negative of being a Navy kid is nothing is consistent. Now because I am a Navy kid, I have grown to have social anxiety when meeting people. Nothing ever seemed consistent for the longest time; I made new friends every three years. Being a child and trying to figure yourself out and moving is not always a fun thing to do. I had the hardest time fitting in with all of the people around me and because I met so many different people. I was never sure how to be me. I didn’t meet Akira until I moved to Florida and there is where I found out who I am is a person.

Now in the end being a Navy kid wasn’t all bad; it had its pros and cons, but everything did and for that I am still thankful for everything I had. I have been experiencing life on the great adventures of life and who can complain about that in life?

Stay Beautiful,

Akira