Spotlighting Allison Bryan - Connecting Milteens Worldwide

This article is part of the Bloom Spotlight series, where we aim to recognize current and former military teens who are doing amazing things. If you know a current or former military teen (regardless of age) who is impacting the military community in a way that deserves to be recognized, visit our Bloom Spotlight page.  

Allison Bryan is a rising high school senior and founder of Home Is Where the Heart Is, where she strives to connect military teens across the world. We interviewed Kelsey to showcase her unique accomplishments and to learn about her dedication and journey from the perspective of being a military teen.*

1. Describe Home Is Where the Heart Is, your Girl Scout Gold Award project in your own words. What inspired you to start it?

Home Is Where the Heart Is (HIWTHI) is a space where military teens can connect, feel seen, and share their stories. What sets HIWTHI apart from other military resources is its focus on genuine, personal connection. Through podcast interviews with military teens and by sharing my own experiences in a relatable, lighthearted way, I hope to show the realities of military kid life. There aren't a ton (any?) military kids out there, just sharing their lives. My podcast episodes are either storytelling or sharing my advice about the military life that I’ve lived. I’ve attended 10 schools and 4 high schools across 4 years, plus multiple countries, so I have a wealth of advice I'm so excited to share. This project is not just for the military teen, but to help raise awareness of military life to those who don't understand it, and to validate those who understand it all too well. 

I started HIWTHI as my Girl Scout Gold Award project because, growing up, I rarely saw military teens openly sharing what this lifestyle is really like. I wanted to create the resource I wish I'd had—a place that reminds military teens they aren't alone and that someone else understands exactly what they're going through, one-to-one. 

2. What are some highlights of Home Is Where the Heart Is (e.g. memorable experiences, accomplishments, etc.)? 

Although the project officially launched in June 2026, HIWTHI has already reached more than 35,000 views on Instagram. One of the most exciting parts has been collaborating with organizations that support military-connected youth, including Bloom and FreedomSTEM. I'll be featuring Bloom on an upcoming podcast episode after interviewing Ava Lim and Cooper Canterbury, with a FreedomSTEM collaboration planned for the future. Stay tuned!

3. What’s next for you in Home Is Where the Heart Is? Any particular goals or exciting plans? 

Right now, my focus is on continuing to grow HIWTHI's online community while building partnerships with organizations like Bloom and FreedomSTEM. Long-term, I hope to expand the project's reach, create tangible resources for military students and their families, and help ensure every military teen knows there is a community that understands their experiences. I won't get into the nitty-gritty, as much of it is still in the rough draft phase. 

4. Where can our readers follow you or get involved with Home Is Where the Heart Is? 

You can follow HIWTHI on Instagram at @thatmilteen. My podcast, YouTube channel, and other resources are all available through my Linktree at linktr.ee/thatmilteen. If you're a military teen or have a military-connected story to share, I'd love for you to complete my short impact survey or reach out to me at thatmilteen@gmail.com. I want to help you share your story!

5. Where have you lived? Which location was your favorite and why? 

I was born in Japan and have since lived in Alaska, New Jersey, Alabama, South Korea, Germany, New Jersey (again), Alabama (again), and now Virginia. Every place has shaped who I am, but Germany was probably my favorite because of the incredible opportunities to travel throughout Europe and experience so many different cultures. I wish I could go back!

6. Are there any other hobbies, organizations, or clubs that you are passionate about? Tell us more!

I'm an avid debater and compete in both Lincoln-Douglas Debate and Congressional Debate. I've also been a Girl Scout since first grade—twelve years now—and have earned both my Bronze and Silver Awards. Academically, I'm passionate about biochemistry and am a member of the National Science Honor Society. I’ve also taken 10 AP classes (as of the end of junior year), so I’m an academic, and I love it. Outside of school, I love reading just about every genre, including fantasy, historical fiction, romance, thrillers, and science fiction. I love traveling, gold jewelry, the beach, shopping, and photography.

7. What’s something that you wish others understood about military life?

Military life isn't just about moving—it's about constantly rebuilding your sense of home. Every PCS means learning a new school, making new friends, and eventually saying goodbye to them all over again. While military kids do become incredibly adaptable, that resilience often comes from experiences that aren't easy. That’s part of the namesake behind HIWTHI.

Your stations become places you leave pieces of your heart. So home isn’t just a place; it’s where your heart is. And often, that means it’s everywhere. 

8. What words of wisdom do you have for other current or future military teens?

You are not alone. There are kids out there just like you. If things feel rough right now, and they inevitably will, it will get better. It always did for me, and sometimes that took days, and sometimes it took months. 

Keep putting yourself out there. Join the club and smile first. It will never hurt anything. 

9. Anything else you want to share with us?

My posting schedule is a podcast episode every Friday, and a YouTube video every other Wednesday. You can find my podcast audio on Spotify and the podcast video on YouTube!

*Some responses have been edited for clarity while still trying to remain parallel to the original message.