BY: Gabriel Nochera

For most students at Ponte Vedra High School (PVHS), a sudden loud boom or the low rumble
of a passing plane might cause a momentary distraction. For sophomore Ernest Frey, however,
those sounds are entirely ordinary. Growing up as a military child—often referred to as a
“military brat”—means adapting to a lifestyle defined by constant movement, loud
environments, and routine change.

“It’s honestly kinda numbing in the sense that hearing loud sounds aren’t really that shocking to
me anymore,” Ernest said. “It’s also numbing in the fact that I’ve kinda become used to leaving
friends and livelihoods behind frequently.” Before living in quiet Hampshire, Ernest enjoyed an
exciting lifestyle in military base housing when he was living in Japan.

This frequent relocation has taken Ernest across the globe. Throughout his life, he has lived in
England, Japan, South Korea, Hawaii, North Carolina, California, Virginia, and Texas. His
arrival at PVHS this year was driven entirely by family logistics. With his father currently
stationed in Quantico, Virginia supporting US interests in the Marine Corps. Ernest, his mother,
and his siblings settled in St. Johns County to be close to his grandparents and take advantage of
the warm climate.

Returning to the United States after six years abroad—including three years living entirely on an
overseas military base—brought a massive wave of culture shock. Adjusting from the quiet,
reserved lifestyle of Hampshire, England, and the highly disciplined, respectful environment of
Japan back to American culture required a major shift.

“It’s a massive culture shock,” Ernest explained. “After living abroad for six years and away
from any US culture for three… becoming accustomed to the quiet ways of England or the busy
and respectful methods of Japan is a big change.”

The transition included everyday adjustments, from discovering massive stateside cultural
staples to noticing stark differences in community interactions. “Seeing all the food that wasn’t
overseas like Buc-ee’s [is] absolutely insane,” Ernest said. “Life domestically is much more open
and friendly compared to the reserved and timid societies in Japan and England.”

The contrast in community styles became apparent the moment his family moved into their new
Florida neighborhood. “In the UK, when we moved into our home no one came and said hi,”
Ernest noted. “But here, within the first few days, almost the entire neighborhood said hi and
even gave us treats.”

The structural differences extend deep into the academic world. The British education system
operates on completely different frameworks than American high schools, utilizing “Years”
instead of grades and offering unique elective choices known as GCSEs.

“Education in the UK is massively different because of a lot of things,” Ernest said. “An elective
class is called a GCSE choice [like] Food Prep and Nutrition, Physical Education of Human
Anatomy, even philosophy.”

Athletics also required a significant adjustment. Instead of permanent rosters like Varsity or
Junior Varsity, British schools utilize a continuous selection process for individual matches,
known as fixtures. Ernest experienced this firsthand, earning regular selections for both rugby
and cricket matches.

“You tried out for the school team, and if you got selected, you were one of the best at school,”
Ernest explained. “However, being selected meant you were only there for one match before
you’d need to be selected again.”

While Ernest occasionally misses the quiet peace of the United Kingdom and international
staples like Irn-Bru, his time abroad left a permanent impact on his perspective. Meeting friends
from Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and Saudi Arabia while living in South Korea expanded his
understanding of other cultures. It also diversified his music tastes, leading him to rely on British
post-punk and alternative bands like Joy Division, Echo & the Bunnymen, and Fontaines D.C. to
navigate the toughest moments of relocation. More importantly, firsthand exposure to
international military operations shaped how he views global events.

“My worldview is vastly different because since being a military brat, I’ve learned all about
militaries, geopolitics, political landscapes… and how it affects what’s happening in the world,”
Ernest said. Ernest enjoys discussing current events going on in the wider world with friends or
recalling fond moments from overseas.

Now settled at PVHS, Ernest is focusing on the unique aspects of living stateside, particularly
the diverse cultural tapestry of his new environment. “My favorite thing about living stateside is
getting to see all the diverse subcultures here and seeing how they mix together with American
culture,” Ernest said. With his father set to retire from the military within the next two years, the
family plans to make Florida their permanent home, giving Ernest the long-awaited opportunity
to finally establish deep roots.