Adventure vs. Reality

I’ve taken some time to sit with my story that I have shared with you all over the past year. And as I reflect on how I arrived at this point in my life, I realize that there were alot of good experiences I had that were deeply intertwined with the challenges I faced as a child that I didn’t share with you. These memories are very important because they’ve made a lasting impact, and I try hard to revisit them often when I get lost in my thoughts.

My extended family and friends played a significant role in shaping the positive parts of who I am today. And moving around frequently, allowed me to meet new people and forge new friendships, which enriched my life. I remember my childhood in Highland Park being filled with moments that influenced my growth and especially important lessons on survival and adventure. My sense of adventure began early, I spent a lot of time with my cousins Jeremy, Tommy, and Brian. At around eight years old, I started going camping in Azusa with my cousins, Uncle and Aunt. We hiked, explored, and sometimes got lost in the mountains. We built campfires and learned to navigate the wilderness. Eventually, we would travel to South Dakota, where I vividly remember our arrival on a stormy day when floodwaters nearly washed out our car. Once we got to their ranch, I could see Mount Rushmore from their backyard. I spent a whole summer in a cabin there, doing chores like gathering eggs, fishing, and riding horses. This ranch was a haven for fostered kids, allowing us to embrace the outdoors and have a sense of purpose.

I often think back of those summers and wonder why those experiences didn’t make an immediate impact on me. But that’s just what it was, summers on vacation, my reality was what was waiting for me in Los Angeles. Today as I grow into the man I am becoming, I find myself reaching for those memories which have influenced my interests and longing for culture and a relationship with the land.