As an Air Force child living in Europe for over a decade, Eve Glenn gained an appreciation for other cultures, people from diverse backgrounds, the importance of serving others around the globe, and … garlic mayonnaise?
All her hard work putting others before herself, and studying science, technology, engineering and math must make her hungry. When asked about traditions she has held onto from places she lived, Eve said the aioli condiment enjoyed in Germany, France, Spain, Turkey and other countries has become a staple in their Tampa, Florida, home near MacDill AFB.
Not that the 2018 Air Force Military Child of the Year® Award recipient spends much time thinking about her gastronomic preferences. A standout high school senior, she’s usually too busy acing tests, volunteering, tutoring and competing in cheer and Irish dance.
If it ever starts to feel overwhelming, or when military relocations seem challenging, Eve relies on family and friends to keep her focused. “I strive to succeed in every scenario despite external and internal obstacles that may hinder success,” she said. She also depends on the “strongest mental armor” she began forging when her father, Air Force Lt. Col. Richard Glenn, deployed to Iraq while she was in second grade, one of many lessons in the “art of resiliency.”
Eve’s favorite place to live was Stuttgart, Germany. There she met other high school students interested in STEM subjects, observed surgeries at a local hospital, and researched bacteria with a teacher. Her experiences have made her proud to represent military children: “Living abroad and befriending teenage Syrian refugees, German students and American peers; the opportunity to have such a diverse friend group stems directly from being a military child. I am most proud to be a military child because of the opportunities it has given me to embrace and continue learning to become a more worldly citizen.”
Eve is modeling herself as a leader on her parents. She respects her father and other service members, asking if it were not for their “commitment and eagerness to travel wherever the United States required assistance, who would protect and preserve freedom over the hostilities of oppression and injustice?”
She credits her mom, Lori Glenn, with helping her develop a positive outlook. “I aspire to be as motivated and determined as she is one day,” Eve said.
Her continued dedication will benefit her future, and likely have a positive impact on many other people too.
“As a leader, being a product of the military community has given me an opportunity to see the world through less selfish eyes, my instant connection to any new location.”
See highlights from Eve’s long list of achievements:
Meet all of our seven Military Child of the Year® recipients and be sure to join us on Facebook on Thursday, April 19 at 7 pm EST for a live feed of the very special awards gala honoring our outstanding Military Child of the Year® recipients. Thank you to our presenting sponsor United Technologies for making it possible. We’re also grateful to the following additional sponsors: Booz Allen Hamilton, Procter & Gamble, Microsoft, MidAtlantic Broadband, La Quinta Inn & Suites, Veterans United Home Loans, Under Armour, Tutor.com and Military Times. #MCOY2018
