OCTOBER 2014
37
What is your culture/heritage?
Both sides of my family line can be traced back the Holland. My parents grew up in a very small Dutch town in Wisconsin. They tell me stories about dancing in wooden shoes and cleaning the streets during festivals. I draw from my parents culture and the simple joy and hard work taught to them. I also had the unique opportunity to grow up in a part of Utah where the culture is very strictly Mormon. This has allowed me an unique opportunity to experience another culture besides the one my parents grew up in.
What made you join Her Culture?
My friend Julia mentioned an organization called Her Culture. I checked it out and immediately fell in love. I believe whole heartedly in the mission statement and what the magazine is trying to do from that moment on I knew I had to contribute to the magazine in some way.
How could you see cultural awareness change the world?
Knowledge is power. Cultural awareness allows us to see the other half of the story. The reasons behind what people do what they do. You never really can understand someone until you understand their culture. Cultural awareness will bring us together as a society of human beings.
What's the worst problem in the world today, in your opinion?
Hate. Hate and unnecessary prejudices. The world function better if we could forget our narrow-mindedness and remember to love.
How do you think we can fix
that problem?
By thinking before we feel and using our knowledge of culture. Not everyone has had the experiences in life. It is important to understand where people are coming from and their intentions. Quick judgments are easy to turn into a hateful attitude instead of one full of love.
What's one family tradition that you want to pass on to your children?
I want to pass on the tradition of reading every night. I want to pass on my love of words and knowledge to my kids the way my mother passed it down to me.
Which women inspire you?
Lucille Ball. She single handedly changed the whole TV industry and the way the world thought of woman. She did it through making people laugh, and that in itself is incredible. I only hope I can stand in her shadow and change the world through laughter.
What is your definition of a "Cultural Revolution?"
Culture Revolution is learning, understanding, and respecting other cultures. With the internet the world has become a melting pot. We shouldn't shun that, but search out information. Respecting others and learning from them as they learn from you, is the only way the world can live in harmony.