Second place in the America 250 youth essay contest goes to Arwa Boubetana in the middle school category. (Staff | photo provided by Boubetana family)
Arwa Boubetana is the second place middle school winner in the Stars and Stripes America 250 youth essay contest. Arwa is currently a seventh-grade student at DoWEA’s Vicenza Middle School at USAG Italy.
The essay prompt was: “How has being part of a military (or military-affiliated) family shaped how you think about America?”
Growing up in a military family has given me a unique perspective on what it means to be American. When my family moved to Italy in August 2024, it was my first military station, and the experience has changed how I view America. Living abroad, I’ve started to see both the strengths and limitations of what it means to be part of a country like the United States.
At first, I missed the familiar comforts of California—the beach, the food, the weather, and even the way American culture shaped everyday life. But after being here in Italy for a while, I’ve come to understand the things we often take for granted in the U.S., like the ability to freely discuss politics or the fact that most people can access the same opportunities if they work for them. I visited the Colosseum in Rome, and it made me reflect on how, throughout history, societies have had different ways of approaching power and freedom. In ancient Rome, the gladiators fought for entertainment, not for liberty or rights. In contrast, what I appreciate about the U.S. is the system where people have the right to challenge ideas, question authority, and shape the future, even when it’s messy.
Being in a military family has also given me a more realistic understanding of America’s role in the world. I’ve learned that being part of the military isn’t always glamorous, and the U.S. doesn’t always get things right. Still, I’ve seen how the military is respected by people in many countries, including Italy. This respect isn’t just about strength; it’s also about the role the U.S. plays in keeping the peace, even when that means making hard decisions. One of my friends here in Italy mentioned how much she respects the work the American military does in keeping the world stable. I agree that it’s not perfect, but it’s a reminder of the responsibility that comes with being part of a powerful country.
Living in Italy has helped me understand that being American isn’t just about the place you live or the freedoms you enjoy; it’s also about the complexities and contradictions that come with being part of a larger system. The U.S. is a place with huge advantages, but it also comes with challenges that can’t be ignored. As I continue to grow, I’ll carry the lessons I’ve learned here with me—understanding that being American means not only recognizing the good, but also the areas that need improvement.
Arwa Boubetana attends Vicenza Middle School at USAG Italy. (photo provided by Boubetana family)
