Wherever I Go

Applying to college is supposed to be an exciting time. It is the beginning of a new chapter and an opportunity to decide what you want your future to look like. Although in my case, choosing a college has felt more complicated, all because I am a military child.

Growing up in a military family has meant that change is something I have become familiar with. New places, new schools, new people, and new routines have all been part of my life. Because of this, I thought I would be prepared when it was time to choose a college, a time associated with change. Instead, I realized that this decision would be harder than I expected.

There are so many things to consider when choosing a college. I have to think about the programs I want, the size of the school, the campus, the opportunities, and the distance from my family. I also have to think about what kind of environment will help me succeed. Sometimes it feels like every choice comes with another question.

Being a military child has also made me think differently about change. I have had to adjust to changes that were outside of my control, but choosing a college is different because this time, the decision is mine. I get to decide where I want to go and what I want my next chapter to look like. Having that responsibility can be exciting, but it can also make the decision feel overwhelming.

Another challenge is knowing that there is no way to predict exactly what my future will look like. Military life has taught me that plans can change. A place that seems perfect now might not be what I expect later, and that can make it difficult to feel completely confident about such a big decision.

Even with all of these challenges, I am beginning to understand that the college application process is teaching me more than just how to apply to schools. It is teaching me about myself.

I have grown more independent by learning to make decisions about my future. I have grown more adaptable because my experiences have taught me how to handle change instead of fearing it. I have also grown more confident in my ability to enter new situations and figure things out along the way.

Most importantly, I am learning that I do not need to have everything figured out right now. Being a military child has taught me that life does not always go according to plan, and that is okay. Sometimes growth comes from learning how to move forward even when you are unsure of what comes next.

Choosing a college may still be difficult, but I am starting to see the decision as more than just picking a school. It is an opportunity to discover who I am, what I value, and who I want to become. Wherever I end up, I know the experiences I have had as a military child will help me face whatever comes next.