Monday, September 14, 2009

Middle Class White Girl from a Rural Southern Town





My Cultural Diorama:

Words:
Growing up I have always had a passion for reading. That early desire has developed into an inner obsession with words. I have books about words and their origins, I have many journals that I write in, and I read constantly. I believe that the words we speak and write are keys to a greater understanding. Finding the right combination of words is like finding a key to the locked and untouched portions of our minds and intelligence. I daily feed this hunger to unlock the hidden combinations stored within me. As a child this affected how I got along with others. I always had a book with me and I always considered a book my best friend over human relations. I would read in movies, at parties, in classes, alone in my room. Words are a deeply rooted part of my culture. Another result of this is I carry with me an awesome assortment of pens in every color, just in case I need to properly express myself.

Activity:
From a young age I was introduced to sports. I have played some sort of organized sport since I was 5 and I have continued playing through college. It wasn't until I received my patriarchal blessing that I was guided to take my health to another level. I was asked to create my own word of wisdom that goes above and beyond what has been revealed in Doctrine and Covenants section 89. I work at a nutrition store, I work out daily, my home is filled with vitamins and proteins, I educate myself on the function of the human body and proper nutrition, I try to push myself and stay active by signing up for local races. I live in an active culture that daily dictates what I eat, how often I eat, how to work out, etc...

Travel:
My family and I were constantly on the move growing up. In one neighborhood I lived in 5 different houses. My parents were always looking for the better deal on housing or the next best thing. As a result I have a sense of restlessness. I have 5 transfers between 4 different collages (each in a different state, one out of the country). I cannot stay in one place too long. Luckily I had a wonderful high school Spanish teacher who helped me fall in love with the Latino culture. With her I had the opportunity to travel to Spain for a study abroad. Now I am bilingual and I have goals to fill up my passport with stamps. Combining two passions; I hope to travel the world and familiarize myself with all cultures and teach English along the way. This helps me satisfy my need to be on the move. Now I am taking classes to equip me with the tools I need in order to teach effectively. My view of life is a much broader one since I have learned to open my heart to the differences that make this world such a beautiful place and as a result I am unlimited to the places where I can travel.