We asked folks a question that led to many surprising answers – some sad, some thought-provoking and some funny. We’ve highlighted a cross section of those responses below.
Rebecca Fillion
As a child growing up in a small town in Northern Michigan, I didn’t believe I was destined for much. My parent was on disability due to a bi-polar disorder, and while my basic needs were met, our family struggled financially. I experienced neglect and minimal support during my teenage years, which lead to depression and abandonment issues. Read more>>
Angela Mabe
As a kid, I thought everything had to be perfect before I could share it with the world—whether it was a school project, an idea, or even just myself. I don’t believe that anymore. Over the years, I’ve learned that life, like woodworking, is all about process. The knots, the grain, the imperfections—those are the things that give a piece its character. Read more>>
Frank Zaaqan Jordan
Never let the format of society dictate or create the narrative for your life or your existence upon this earth. Once you find your special talent that was given to you from The Most High you have to realize what your purpose for having it, and what will you do with it once you realize your talent is unique from all others. Read more>>
Megan Patton
When I was growing up, I thought the boxes we were placed in were much smaller. I was commonly thought of as being studious or nerdy. I think I thought you could only be ‘the smart kid’. Of course, time teaches us so much. You can be studious and silly, nerdy and compassionate, driven and warm. Read more>>
Liv James
Such a good question! This might be kind of a different way of answering this, but when I was young, I always loved preforming and thought for sure I’d be a singer or an actor. Now, about twenty-some years later, I’ve seen how that passion I had from such a young age was not meant to be fulfilled in the “traditional” sense, but through content. Read more>>
Adaline Griffin
Manufactured goods have an origin story. Read the label, and you often see “Made In China”. Like these products, I too, was made in China. The difference is I do not know my origin story. I was two days old when my parents abandoned me on a bank’s doorstep in China. I do not know my parents or where they might be. Read more>>
