The recent 2025 government shutdown, which began on October 1 and lasted until November 12, became the longest in American history. While politicians debated in Washington, military families across the country faced a harsh reality: the government they served was unable to guarantee their next paycheck. From Norfolk, Virginia, to military installations in Japan and Germany, families confronted mounting financial anxiety, canceled children's programs, and made impossible choices about making...

Before entering the Naval Academy gates, I thought I had a pretty good idea of what the U.S. Naval Academy Summer Seminar would be like: rigorous workouts, military drills, and a glimpse into life as a midshipman. But nothing could have prepared me for how much I would learn about myself and the U.S. Navy in just one week. The Naval Academy campus felt like stepping into a world where tradition and discipline reigned supreme. The historic gray stone buildings, the perfectly trimmed lawns, and...

Growing up at the intersection of military and civilian life, I've learned that identity is rarely a simple narrative. Living between two worlds—the military world and the civilian world—has profoundly changed my worldview. In the military world, service is more than a profession; it's a profound commitment etched into the fabric of daily life. Pride isn't just an emotion, but a lived experience of sacrifice, resilience, and collective purpose. Watching my father serve for almost 20 years,...