Perhaps the most interesting thing that I could tell you about myself is that I’ve lived my entire life in the back woods of North Idaho on my family’s solar-powered homestead. Since an early age, I’ve been expected to help my family in all aspects of our back-to-the-land lifestyle. My parents have encouraged me to follow my dreams and accomplish my goals. I’ve had the unique opportunity to experience a life that is comparable to the way that my great-grandparents lived. On the other hand, I’ve also had the chance to experience the best of the 21st century.
Technology has only recently played a big part in my life. Nine years ago, my parents installed satellite internet after they opened our family business, Huckleberry Tent and Breakfast. I helped my mother set up the business’s Facebook page and showed her how to upload pictures and post stories.
My family has a tendency to jump head first into projects. One year we decided to raise meat chickens so we bought not 10, not 20 but 250 of them! We didn’t have a clue how to butcher a chicken. Luckily, I was able to discover an online article that gave us step-by-step instructions. I copied the directions and used them for a guide as I started yelling, “Off with their heads!”
Another year, my family decided to build a cabin on the back 20 so that my siblings and I would have first-hand construction experience. Being from a family that always likes to try new things, I often had to search YouTube for different instructional videos. I learned how to paint walls in a faux marble style, install a wood plank floor, and even how to laminate counters. I also looked for decorating ideas and picked out the style that would be used for the whole cabin: white painted wainscoting. Take my word for it, it looks beautiful.
Technology has also helped me achieve my educational goals. I have wanted to be an OB/GYN doctor for as long as I can remember. With years of schooling ahead of me, I decided to be home-schooled during Junior High so I could complete 3 years of school work in only 2 years.
I returned to the public school system when I reached high school. I then petitioned to start taking online dual credit college courses at the age of 14. Through the internet, I have been able to take numerous classes from several different colleges across Idaho.
The internet will also help me complete my senior project for school. I will be developing, designing, printing and distributing a brochure on the importance of prenatal care for teenage mothers. I will also be giving a power point presentation to local youth groups.
I’m grateful for the many unique opportunities I’ve been privileged to experience. I’m excited about going to college in a year and the thought of all the new skills and knowledge that I’ll gain. I’m ready to face the challenges and the hard work that will be required to achieve my goal of becoming an OB/GYN doctor.
Huckleberry Tent and Breakfast 