First, I would like to say that I am truly honored to be able to share a part of my story with you. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I am beyond blessed to have it.
Because I am a part of a military family, I have had the opportunity to see various parts of the world and live in different cultures. I would like to share with you specifically about my four years of high school. During these years, I have moved two times and have been to three different high schools across the country. Many people looking from the outside in ask me how I do it and seem to be amazed with my answer.
I was born and raised in Birmingham, Ala. All of my family and lifelong friends are there, along with the first high school that I attended. I attended Vestavia Hills High School for the beginning of my freshman year before moving to Maryland in early spring. This was my first move ever, which did not make it any easier. It took a while before I got the hang of bigger city living, like D.C., and for me to feel like I was beginning to fit in.
As time passed by, I found new friends in a totally new place and began to fall in LOVE with the Maryland shores and fresh crabs! I was introduced to private, Christian education and the loving attitude that came with it. I had so many great opportunities to play sports and be involved in ways I never thought I would, or that I would not have had if we stayed in Alabama.
I was also given a mentor at my new school, whom especially took interest in my life and my story. Together we would talk about life, people, drama and, well, whatever was going on. The best part was the prayer. We spent a lot of time together praying for life. When my family and I found out that we were moving to Central Ohio, it was especially hard to leave because of what I had been a part of for the last two years.
Once my family moved and got settled in Ohio, I began to realize the impact that I had on my last school and began looking for ways to do the same again here. I quickly met new friends and saw different areas in school where I could help.
Throughout the 17 months that I have been in Ohio, I have seen many positive changes take place at my now third high school and have had the opportunity to be a part of them. I now see the school as a better place than when I got here. I learned to never underestimate the impact we can have on those we meet and new situations we are put in.
I would like to leave a word of encouragement for other military kids, something that I have learned during my time in high school: Be present where you are.
No matter where you are, be present with the people you are with. Being present can lead to some of the best lifelong friendships and enjoyment of cultures you may have never had the opportunity to. Seek to find the good in every move, every situation, every person you meet. Realize that you are making a difference. Because of your experiences, you view life from a different lens.
Always remember that you are where you are for a reason, don’t lose sight of that.
Campbell Miller is Operation Homefront’s 2019 National Guard Military Child of the Year. The 17-year old high school student has been a member of the National Honor Society, captain for varsity baseball and cross country, and taken mission trips to Guatemala, Ireland and Uganda. More recently, he was able to accomplish becoming an Eagle Scout in the midst of relocating from Maryland to Ohio — an achievement he credits with coming from the willpower of being a military child.
