I'm 25

I turned 25 years old on January 6^th. As I see it, about a quarter of my life has been lived so far. Thus far, I have very little complaints.

-          - Graduated high school

-         -  Graduated college

-         -  Married to my best friend

-         -  Visited 8 countries

-         -  Built up a good savings and established in a steady budget

-          - Lived in 3 states

-         -  Commissioned into the AF as a 2Lt

-        -   Started my “Big girl job”

-          - No kids yet

Turning 25 has really got me thinking about what I want out of the next quarter of my life. Two big items stick out the most. Kids and a career I love. Kids will come when the time’s ready. My husband and I are firm believers in not rushing that chapter. We believe that it’s essential to take time at this age and point in a marriage to live life together and enjoy each other only as a husband and wife. It establishes you as a couple and really sets the tone for the rest of your lives together. We’ll know when that time comes and until then travel, save money and experience life as “newlyweds”.

The second item on the list I've been contemplating a lot lately is what I want out of a career. I’m currently an officer in the USAF and they own me until April 15, 2016. At that point in time I’ll be 28 and that’s the time that we as a family will evaluate our options and make a very big decision. We will either continue a life in the military or decide to pursue life as civilians. I've only been in the AF for 9 months and already civilian life intimidates me. There are many pros to being in the military and of course cons. Some of the pros are:

-          - Cheap healthcare for you and your family

-          - Paid rent

-         -  Discounted food, car insurance

-         -  And the BIGGY, retirement after 20 years of service

I admit it’s one helluva deal. One thing to think about is our time on earth is so short. My next 75 years will go by quicker than I’d like. I will not do something for a quarter of my life if my heart isn’t in it. It just isn’t worth my happiness and time. Luckily, I have an amazing support system. My husband has always been supportive of all my ideas and random thoughts, no matter how crazy at the time they may be.

It has always been a dream of mine to attend Physician’s Assistant school. In 10^th grade, my chemistry teacher was asked by a fellow classmate, “ How do you know what to study in college?” I’ll never forget her reply. “Imagine yourself as a millionaire. You never have to work a day in your life ever again. But you’re only 18 years old. You don’t just want to sit in a mansion all day doing nothing. What would you do if money, age, timing and opportunity weren't an issue?” Well that’s when I knew I wanted to be a PA. I find the human body so fascinating, and I’d love the chance to help and heal people. The AF does have a PA program, and just within the last 6 months, have elected to allow officers to apply to the program too. The program used to only be limited to enlisted personnel.

In conclusion, turning 25 has really got my wheels spinning about what I want out of life. I know what the next 3 years has in store for me, but after that it’s up to me. It’ll be a big fork in our life as a family, but I have such great faith that we’ll make the right decision. I hope that if you’re reading this, that it makes you pause and think about the next 20-30 years of your life. What do you want out of your life? What are your goals? What makes you happy? Who makes you happy? I definitely don’t know our life plan, but I know that I’ll be happy living it with the choices we’ll make. That’s all I could ask for, to wake up every day and be in-love with my life. These next 25 years will be my favorite for sure!