Random stranger

Describe a random encounter with a stranger that stuck out positively to you.

-I was going through a rough patch in the fall of 2004. I was working in security at a small college and had lost my grandparents and an uncle in the span of 11 days.

I was walking through a building on campus on New Year’s Eve. I was closing it for the evening after a big event. As I came around a corner to a long hallway, I saw this beautiful brunette walking towards me. She winked at me and said, “It’s going to be a good year.”

That kindness from a stranger helped me to start to climb out of my depression and turn my life around.

Being on my own

Describe a decision you made in the past that helped you learn or grow.

-Several years ago, I was living with my parents and severely underemployed as a substitute teacher.

I accepted a job offer 1,000 miles away from everything I’ve ever known. I was in my mid thirties and it was a good experience for me. It helped me learn to depend on myself for everything. Cooking, cleaning, repairs, you name it.

Moving on from embarrassment

Describe something you learned in high school.

-I was taking drivers education and we were on the actual driving part. I went first that day and had actually completed my part, so I was in the back seat. Suddenly, I felt sick and although I tried my best, I pooped myself. I was mortified.

I stayed at home for a couple of days getting over whatever I had. When I returned to school, the story about me had spread everywhere. I was embarrassed for a few days, but then something happened to one of our football players and everyone moved on from me.

I learned to just keep my head down and keep going. It doesn’t last and it doesn’t matter what other people think about you. Your self worth isn’t tied up in others opinions.

Character from book or film

If you could be a character from a book or film, who would you be? Why?

-I would choose to be Sherlock Holmes. I’ve always loved the character from the first time I became aware of him. That must have been some times in the 1980’s. Shortly after, we went to visit my aunt and uncle one weekend and went to a bookstore. I got one of those books for kids with the illustrations of three Holmes stories and I was hooked.