I learned to be independent

Some people view deployment as a negative thing for children, and although it was not always the easiest, I did learn to do things for myself and become independent. While my mom was very supportive and provided everything she could for me, I still had to learn to do things for myself and help her out when she needed it. It was beneficial having such autonomy, as well, because it shaped me into the responsible adult I consider myself to be today.

It gave me a love for traveling

After living in six different states, I've built a passion for traveling and visiting new places. I also have an appreciation for different cultures and the ways people live. I love being able to tell stories of the different places I have lived and learn about how they are different from where I currently am.

I am more appreciative of friendships

It can be challenging to move every two to three years, leaving close friends behind. However, I still remain in touch with my closest friends, and it's nice going back to visit them. I also value friendships and relationships because they play such an important role in the kind of person I am.

I am also appreciative of the time I have with people

This is especially important since my father was often deployed, so I had to be grateful for every minute spent with him. You also never truly know when the last time you will see someone will be.

Always make sure to tell your loved ones that you care for them

Similar to appreciating the time I have with people, I can't express how important it is to make it known to people that you love them, because you never know when it will be the last one. You also never know how much of a difference hearing that can make in someone's day.

I love my country!

Military personal risk their lives to go fight for your freedoms, so it is important to have respect for them and appreciate everything they do.

Change can be good

Often times, people view change as a negative thing and can be afraid of it. I definitely learned to embrace change and let whatever happens, happen. This also helped me to learn not to always have expectations in certain situations, because something you may not have anticipated at first can end up being one of the best things to happen to you.

Home isn't a place

People always ask me where I am from, and it is not a one-worded, simple answer. I think the most important lesson I learned is that home isn't a place. I consider home to be anywhere or with anyone where I feel loved and supported. Although I am patriotic and beyond thankful to live in a country with such great opportunities, saying I am from a certain city or live in a certain state does not define who I am, nor what is important in my life.