A different
MK Written by: Kai Sniffin Photographed by: Reagan Lee and Austin Romito Designed by: Joseph Smallwood
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n many Christian circles, the term "MK" is often associated with "missionary kids," or children whose parents are missionaries serving in different communities. These individuals grow up in unusual circumstances, but they aren't the only MKs one can find on a college campus. Meet military kids. It is not uncommon for children of military families to blend into the society around them — close friends, professors and others within their daily lives may not know about the unique lifestyle they’ve experienced growing up. Military kids may not speak of their experiences for a multitude of reasons — fear of coming off as cocky from the list of places they’ve lived to difficulties expressing the hardships they’ve faced by being associated with a military family. Often, military kids do not share their stories because of the fear
6 | Pursuit
of others not understanding. In one way or another, change is an inevitable part of being in a military family. From deployments to moves, change manifests itself differently in each. Some families spend an average of 24 months or less living in a location. Others stay rooted for awhile, with the active duty family member deploying often. However, many families experience both. Courtney Mitchell, senior architecture major, grew up in a family in which both parents were in the service — her mother served in the Air Force; her father served in the Coast Guard. As a result, there were times where Mitchell’s family would be temporarily separated because her parents were stationed at different bases. As Mitchell lists the different places she has lived — eight in total — she says her family’s move to Alaska was the most
