The Strength to Stand on My Own

As an only daughter, I grew up sheltered and well cared for by my parents. When I turned twenty, I longed to stand on my own, so I decided to pursue a career in the military. My father opposed—he hoped I would work at a company, gain experience, and eventually start a business. To show him how determined I was, I stopped receiving allowance, supported myself with part-time jobs, and enrolled in an academy to prepare for the Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) exam. When he saw the sincerity of my resolve, he finally offered his full support.

The written exam, two interviews, twelve demanding weeks of training, and specialty school felt like a marathon of challenges. Each stage pushed me to my limits, but my determination to achieve my dream carried me through. And at the end, I became an Air Force NCO.

Yet even after reaching my goal, I soon learned that independence was far more difficult than I had imagined. Life on base required a level of self-reliance I had not fully prepared for. My assignment involved handling weapons, which meant operating in a highly disciplined and tightly regulated environment. With shifts rotating through days, nights, and weekends, everyone was preoccupied with their own responsibilities. I had not expected a nurturing atmosphere, but with no one to guide me—either in my work or in day-to-day routines—I found myself learning everything the hard way, navigating each challenge on my own

After a demanding day, the silence of my quarters often amplified my family’s absence. Even simple routines—eating or lying down to rest—made me keenly aware that I was alone.

In those moments, Zion gave me the strength I needed. The warm welcomes from the members—“We’ve been waiting for you,” “We missed you”—brought deep comfort to my heart. Their kindness reflected the love of our Heavenly Father and Mother, who care for each of Their children with tender attention. Remembering that They were always with me eased the loneliness on base and inspired me to share that same love with those around me.

Not long after, my first junior joined the unit. No matter how busy I was, I made sure I ate with her and helped her with the things I had once struggled to understand—how to handle our duties, how to approach seniors, and how to adjust to life on base. As she grew comfortable, she began confiding in me, and our bond naturally deepened. At first, my seniors wondered whether I could manage both my workload and mentoring a junior, but their opinions soon changed. They told me they were pleasantly surprised—although they had thought I was quiet, I was adapting well to military life and taking good care of those who came after me. When more juniors arrived, I continued taking the initiative to guide them. Now, we all look out for one another and rely on each other like family.

Now, in my second year of military service, my father often tells me how proud he is that I have overcome difficulties and established myself with independence. Although I had chosen the path of a career service member with determination, the truth is that I was more anxious than eager before enlisting. It would be my first time managing everything on my own, and I lacked confidence in my abilities. I was also worried about maintaining my faith in a restrictive and unfamiliar environment, since I had previously relied on my mother’s guidance to attend Zion.

Facing unfamiliar situations and learning to handle them myself taught me many valuable lessons. Above all, I came to appreciate my parents’ love in a way I never had before. From the moment I enlisted, they called every day to check on me and listen to my worries. My father still sends me a hopeful message each morning. Remembering their constant care gave me the strength to rise again each time I faltered.

Even more precious is knowing that there is another source of support. It is God who hears my prayers, leads my steps to Zion even in hardship, comforts me through the members, and moves my heart to care for my juniors so they will not feel alone. In the end, the reason I can stand firm is that the love of God and my parents has become the foundation of my life.

I hoped my junior could also experience that same reassuring strength. So I invited her to Zion and shared with her the truth of the Bible and the reality of God. In a comfortable setting, she studied the words sincerely and expressed her desire to receive God’s blessings as well. She became a member of our heavenly family, and together we committed to keeping God’s regulations.

I hope that not only my junior, but no one around me ever feels lonely. Following the example of our Heavenly Father and Mother, I will continue caring for others with love and strive to be a daughter my Heavenly Parents can truly be proud of.