as a parent/ veteran/ immigrant/ university graduate/ traveler, i can say that each of these personal life facets are not a requirement to be anything. though some definitely are sort of exclusive clubs, where if you are not a member of that club it is sort of difficult to understand certain aspects. just as certain aspects of being a vet will never quite be understood by non-vets, though another vet will identify immediately, the same can be said about parents/ non-parents. and as much as people may want to understand, they can only look in from the outside and imagine. but none of these clubs are a requirement to be a well rounded adult, but kind of shorthand to explain who we are and to identify fellow members and a way to connect.