Sullivans ES, Chyla Jayeanne Penolan, 4th Grade

(File photo)

BRAVE IN QUIET WAYS

I attend a military school, and even though I’m a civilian, this place has become very special to me. Because my parents work and help support the military, I was given the chance to study with children of service members. From the start, they made me feel welcome, like I belonged, even though there were only a few of us who were not military kids.

Being with military kids taught me many things. They are very strong, even when things are hard. They move to new places and make new friends. They smile even when they miss their moms or dads. I learned that being brave does not mean being loud. Sometimes being brave is quiet.

The hardest part for me is saying goodbye. For my friends, moving to a new place or school is normal. For me, it’s painful every time. When my closest friend had to move away, I tried to act okay, but I cried a lot. School did not feel the same without her. Every laugh felt a little incomplete.

I miss the simple moments the most playing at the park, watching movies together, and having sleepovers at her house. Those small memories mean everything to me.

Military kids are strong in ways that really inspire me. Because of them, I learned that real friendship does not disappear with distance. Even when friends move away, the memories stay, and the connection stays in your heart.

Yokosuka Naval Base