In honor of the Month of the Military Child, we shine a spotlight on Grace Best, a driven and compassionate individual who embodies the resilience and strength of military children. Grace’s story reflects her deep connection to the military community, her dedication to helping others, and her future aspirations to make a difference.

Grace is currently pursuing a degree in social work, a field she chose because of her lifelong desire to help others. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, singing, playing cards, getting coffee, lifting weights, watching ’90s rom-coms, and indulging in ice cream. She brings joy and light to everything she does, from her academic studies to her hobbies and her involvement on campus.

Outside of her studies, Grace is actively involved in the Women’s Rugby Club, the Women’s Glee Club, and the Newman Center. She finds balance in her life through these activities, demonstrating her dedication to not only her personal growth but also to creating a strong community around her.

Grace’s connection to the military runs deep, with her father having served 24 years in the U.S. Air Force as a Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) specialist. His career included two deployments to Bosnia, two to Iraq, and one to Afghanistan. He also played a pivotal role in bringing simulation training into the TACP career field. As a retired TACP, her father’s service has shaped Grace’s understanding of the military lifestyle and its unique challenges.

As a military child, Grace faced the difficulty of having a parent who was often away on deployments. She navigated life with a large family, learning to adapt to the challenges of one parent being away for long periods, sometimes across the globe. She learned how to balance responsibilities, support her family, and embrace change. These experiences have molded her into a resilient individual who is comfortable with the unexpected and adaptable in any situation.

Looking to the future, Grace has clear and ambitious goals. She plans to achieve her bachelor’s in social work, pursue a master’s in social work, and ultimately become a licensed clinical social worker. With her heart set on working with Veterans and potentially active-duty service members and their families, Grace is committed to giving back to the community that has shaped her life.

Grace Best’s journey is one of dedication, strength, and a deep sense of purpose. She is not only an example of the resilience of military children but also a beacon of hope and support for the future.