Lessons From a Military Kid Who Had to Start Over Again and Again

Before I turned 18, I packed up my life 9 times.

We moved from base to base, from Pensacola, FL to Hawaii and everywhere in between. My dad was a Naval aviator, and that was simply the rhythm of our world.

At the time I didn’t know what I was learning.

• Adaptability. I had to figure things out…new schools, new routines, new environments.
• Observation. When you’re the new kid, you don’t walk in loud. You watch. You read the room. You learn where you fit.
• Initiative. I couldn’t wait for someone to come to me. I had to take the first step, over and over again.
• Empathy. I knew what it felt like to be on the outside, which made it easier to recognize when others felt the same.

And here’s what I see so clearly now…

Those weren’t just survival skills. They became the foundation for everything I do today.

They shaped how I navigate the unfamiliar.
How I meet people where they are.
How I help others feel understood, comfortable, and confident in big decisions.

So while I may not have a traditional hometown, I do have something I value even more…

A perspective that’s allowed me to serve thousands of families with care, consistency, and heart.