By Amanda Mings, NSU Student

The ability to adapt to change will help a person succeed and will take them much further in life. Being the child of a military parent, one is introduced to this very soon. Growing up all around has taught me the importance of adapting to change. Having this skill is important for everyday life. When someone is adaptable, they are able to change in order to adjust to new conditions. This skill does not come naturally. I have faced many situations where I have had to adapt.

Having to move was hard, but little did I know the impact it would have on my life. The move to Japan changed my life forever. We were stationed at Yokota Air Force Base, where we would live for four years. I was so excited to be moving to a new country, but leaving was difficult. After what felt like the longest plane ride, we arrived. Moving to such an unfamiliar place was not going to be easy. Japan was a complete culture shock; my life had just gotten a lot harder. But, because I was able to adapt, I made friends easily and really enjoyed my time there. Everything was perfect, my family was happy and healthy, I had made new friends, and I had adapted.

That was until one day, on Friday, the eleventh of March in 2011. I was on the school bus heading home when all of a sudden, the bus starting to shake. It was normal to get earthquakes in Japan, but as I looked around I noticed that this was an earthquake unlike the rest. Buildings were swaying, apartment windows were busted because mattresses had come flying out, and when I got home, it was to furniture on its back or side and pictures that had fallen and shattered. I knew that this was the start of something disastrous. What started as an undersea megathrust earthquake off of the coast of Japan had turned into a massive tsunami that would take the lives of many. This also caused a serious problem with the leakage of radiation that soon affected our area. These events led to my family evacuating the country. We had to leave another place that we once called home.

I never had a real “hometown,” but what I do know is that my home is wherever my family is. Adaptability does not come naturally, I faced many situations where I have had to become adaptable. Moving a lot has taught me the importance this. Being able to adapt to change is being able to adjust so you can cope best to new conditions. I was forced to do this, being pulled from my “home.” It was difficult, but I feel it really benefitted me. Because of what I have been through in my past, I am able to adapt better in situations where it is necessary. I apply this skill to my everyday life and in real world scenarios.