Knowing what the future holds is a prize we wish we all could have, especially those of us in the military. Thoughts of my future crossed my mind while in job training during Autumn of last year. Unfortunately, I had more questions than answers.
Weighing options in my head led me to the best scenario of being located in the eastern time zone. It would enable me to easily stay in touch with friends & family while continuing non-profit work from afar. However, I lacked any influence. My fate and first duty station were all up in the air.
Clarity arrived soon after via email: my first duty station was going to be Camp Humphreys, South Korea. I didn’t know how to feel, nor did my parents. In spite of our mixed emotions, we all agreed that it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Putting life into perspective is what I am looking forward to most.
Packing my life into a handful of bags in preparation for the trip highlighted how life is never static. Change is often welcomed, but it is not always anticipated. Leaving the people I care about behind is disheartening. Leaving the place I’ve called home for the past nineteen years is terrifying. Leaving the roots embedded within my life is the most difficult of all. However, being a part of something greater than myself makes me proud regardless of the hardships.
