The majority of my upbringing was in rural Idaho. I spent my middle school and high schools years in Kimberly, Idaho. As soon as I graduated I moved here to Boise to attend college. I believe that the way I was raised and where I grew up has greatly influenced me as a person. I have great parents, who were strict and religious but loving and fair. I spent a lot of time with my family and still have a great relationship with my siblings today.
I remember reading Shakespeare and To Kill a Mockingbird in high school. I enjoy reading crime/thriller fiction, biographies, and I am fascinated with medical history and diseases.
I learn whats going on in the world by watching the news (KTVB), and speaking with co-workers and family.
I spend my leisure time with my family, cooking, watching movies, reading books, shopping for antiques, and completing household projects. I feel I have a very simple outlook of the world because I stay consistent with what I do and who I do it with. I feel more immersed in culture and the world when I get to travel to different places. This allows me to interact with other people/cultures, eat new food, and visit historical landmarks.
Growing up in a religious family gave me a specific perspective on what was right and wrong. Now that I am older and have experienced things in my own life, I have my own perspective. I feel like everyone has the right to live the way they want (unless they are harming others or breaking the law) because in the end its not my job to harshly judge others for their decisions. I am concentrating on my own life and trying to do whats best for me and my family. I think its important to have your own opinions and values as an adult but to still be open to new ideas.
My father has been a huge influence on shaping who I am as a person. His work ethic, independence, love of family, respect of others and genuine personality have all influenced my decisions and efforts to become a better person. I am so thankful to have such a strong and positive influence in my life.
Hi Jessica, how different is it living in the city compared to your hometown? What year are you in school? Looking forward to working with you throughout the semester.
Hi Kyle,
Well for me it wasn’t a hard transition because I love the hustle and bustle of a large city! I enjoy all the activities, restaurants and culture available. In high school I knew I wanted to get out of a small town environment, I wanted to experience more. I don’t regret the way I grew up and I love visiting my parents from time to time, but I would not move back to such a small town. Thanks for the questions, I also look forward to working with you this semester!
I think that where I grew up had a lot to do with the way I am now also. I always wonder if my personality would be any different had I grown up in a different state or even town.
Excited to get to know you a little bit better this semester!
Hi Jessica, I think its really unique hearing/ meeting someone from a rural area. As I am from LA, rural is a rather odd term and usual meant a city with small buildings. As you can see I’m rather ignorant to what rural is. I hope you could help shed some light as to what you consider rural and I would love to see your perspective on the world as it is and was. Hope to hear from you soon.
Jonathan.
Hi Jonathan,
I think everyone has a different take on rural. Kimberly was 10-15 min outside Twin Falls so I wasn’t isolated by any means. I still feel like it was rural because Kimberly is a very small town and farming community. You knew everyone and everyone knew you, or at least who you were. What brought you from LA to Boise, Idaho? Do you feel any culture shock coming from such a large area?
To be quite honest I felt Boise was slightly rural. What came as a big shock was the kindness people have here. If I ask where something is people actually stop to help.
This bit—
“Now that I am older and have experienced things in my own life, I have my own perspective. I feel like everyone has the right to live the way they want (unless they are harming others or breaking the law) because in the end its not my job to harshly judge others for their decisions.”
–really resonates with me. While I may have pretended to be tolerant in my younger years, learning to not be too judgy took me a long, long time. And it’s an important skill to have because the older we get, the more complex our lives become and the less energy we have to devote to other people’s decisions and drama. Congrats on learning that lesson–some people never do!