I first stumbled across the word “hiraeth” on TikTok under a video titled “beautiful words that describe obscure emotions.” After skipping through the slideshow and periodically jotting down new vocabulary to cram into my AP Lang essays, one word caught my eye. “Hiraeth” is a Welsh word, and while it doesn’t have a direct English translation, it is commonly described as a certain complex type of homesickness, sometimes for a home that was brief or nonexistent, or even one tha

One day, something fell from the ceiling of my bedroom. It wasn’t loud enough to startle me, just a soft tap against the old carpeted floor that had been in every one of my bedrooms. I looked down and saw a blue glow-in-the-dark star -- o ne of the dozens I had stuck to my ceiling two or three years ago. The sticky plaster had finally given up. I picked it up, like it was asking me to, sitting in the middle of the newly vacuumed floor, ruining the symmetry. It felt so dusty a

With all the changes that come with a military child, my last change will be in April 2026. My father is retiring, and with that, it feels like I am losing part of my life. I have known nothing else but this lifestyle; moving every one to two years has been the one thing consistent in my life. Now, I will stay.  For the first time in my life, I will not be moving this summer. I can already feel myself getting antsy. Without the preparations for a move that would be happening

Every person who's ever come to my house may remember the familiar smoky smell of pork wafting from our kitchen as they're welcomed by my mom with a smile and a laugh. Our home is always decorated beautifully, every wall with pictures of those we love, and every couch layered with blankets gathered from many Christmases and housewarmings. My mom is one of those people who will always make you feel understood and valued. She is unwaveringly strong but always funny -- the life

“This already feels like home” you’re expected to say. After all, you have already moved many times. It already feels like home, as you...

I've lived in nine houses, attended nine schools, called four different states my home, and reoriented my internal clock off of three...

Falling asleep, I always ask what house I’ll be in. Tonight, I find myself in a childhood kitchen. Tonight, I wish for a restaurant and...

Scroll to see the creations! As a kid, my favorite part about moving was the boxes. With every move, I eagerly waited for the boxes to...

This article was sent to us by Natalie S., an eighth grader stationed in Texas. Do you have a story to share with your fellow military...

Deciding where to live after a move can be a difficult decision. Whether you’re staying for a nine-month assignment or multiple years,...

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. The early bird gets the worm. You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.  ...

Dirty old river, must you keep rolling, flowing into the night?   sings Ray Davies at the start of  Waterloo Sunset , a song by the...

So, where are you from? It’s an infamous question among Milteens. We all puzzle over how to answer it, and I’ve heard a lot of eloquent...

When most civilians see the camouflage uniform of the military, the words “thank you for your service” come to their mind. At many...

a child of the military's stride moved often with homes far and wide through empathy's light their heart learned to fight and find where...

This article was sent to us by Maddie G., a college freshman stationed at Washington DC. Do you have a story to share with your fellow...

Christmas is a time when life feels peaceful, and everything just feels right. I think it's because it's familiar. No matter which side...

This article was sent to us by Elly M., a grown-up Army brat stationed at the Royal Air Force Wattisham in Suffolk, England. Do you have...

Home. Never have I ever had the luxury to call a place such a name. Through countries and cities. I search and I search For nothing to...

"No, bud come over here and help me raise the bed!" yells my dad, "Viv, what sheets are we putting?" asks my mom. "It better be cute!" my...