'Do I get to meet the Queen?' - A daughter's view of overseas living Published July 10, 2008 By Breane Lyga 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs RAF MILDENHALL, England -- EDITOR'S NOTE: Breane Lyga is the 15-year-old daughter of Senior Master Sgt. Brian Lyga, 352nd Operations Support Squadron at RAF Mildenhall. It was a beautiful summer evening in 2004, and Mom and Dad gathered the whole family together and told us we will be moving to RAF Mildenhall in England. I was 11 at the time, so my only thoughts of England were of red telephone booths, the Queen and Buckingham Palace. I was excited, but I wanted answers: When are we leaving? What kind of school will I go to? Will I see the Queen? What are British people like in real life? I felt the possibilities in England were endless. Starting school would be great, a fresh start with new friends; I could be whoever I wanted to be! We arrived in England Nov. 20 with instant enthusiasm to explore. The sights of the countryside left me breathless, along with the places with a British atmosphere. As soon as Dad got his drivers license for the United Kingdom, we set out to discover local towns, shopping centers, and even some castles, a favorite of my Dad's. In December, I was due to start school. Mom and Dad really wanted me to go to a local British school. They said it would be a very valuable opportunity that not many children my age would get to experience. So, on my first day of school, I remember walking through the playground, looking smart with my new uniform and backpack. When walking past the pupils, I could sense their eyes on me, but I tried not to make any contact with them as I was nervous about what they would think. When I got inside, I greeted the head teacher and she gave me my lesson plan. This was the first time I had classes in more than one room as I was just starting 6th grade (Year 7). At the front office, I was greeted by two students in my year group to show me around the school. As a newcomer, I thought it was enormous compared to my elementary school in California. My new school reminded me of "Hogwarts" from the Harry Potter books. It was made of stone with winding corridors and a sign saying "The Hall" on the cafeteria door. Of course, I could barely understand my new acquaintances' accents. Throughout the day, people walked up to me and asked if I was American. I replied, "Yes," and they treated me like some sort of alien. There were some who were very enthusiastic about getting to know me though. I answered their questions, and they told me about the school and what it entailed. After I got home from my first day at a British school, I felt very relieved. The first day was over. Maybe when I go back tomorrow, people might not treat me like I have two heads. I actually made some good friends that day, and I'm still friends with them four years later. I will be leaving in November, and I know for sure that I will miss everyone from school, even the people I didn't get along with. They still played an important part in my life by helping me become who I am today -- someone who can be put into any situation and get through it with a positive attitude. England has been a tough place to get used to, especially when I'm surrounded by the unfamiliar every day. Compound that with the standard difficulties of being a child in a military family, and it can be quite the challenge. But I have gotten through it with some help along the way from Mom, Dad and my new friends. The experience that I have had in England has been unforgettable, and I wouldn't give it up for anything.