Spring term at Johnson & Wales University brings Arts & Sciences Week. It is an annual event on campus that focuses on bringing in presenters and hosts events that support a theme. This year's theme is Justice, and my English Professor from last term asked me to be a part of a student panel for one evening's presentation.

The panel consisted of students who are military - active duty, reservists, and me, a friend and family member. Essentially we were asked to tell our stories, sharing experiences and answering questions from the audience. I thoroughly enjoyed my opportunity to be a part of the presentation because it was about something close to my heart. I spoke about growing up as a military child - my father being deployed, moving, changing schools, learning to be independent, and I also talked about my experience supporting not only my close friends who are in the military, but those who are strangers through various nonprofit organizations.

Before the event started, those of us on the panel were asked to come in early to get situated. We had never met each other, but quickly found one another without a problem. We recognized some of the little cues that stand out if "you're in the family." By the time our professor walked in, she thought we were best friends. We're all a part of the military family - we have things in common, including little inside jokes and well known rivalries between services, so we had plenty to talk about.

During the discussion, we focused on helping people who aren't familiar with the lifestyle and the daily rewards and challenges understand what it's like, and welcomed questions in a safe environment. The service members who sat beside me, and I shared a mutual admiration and gratitude toward each other. We couldn't be where we are right now without people like you, either fighting for our freedom or supporting the service members as they do so far away from home.

It was truly a wonderful experience, and I'm glad I was able to be a part of it.