Taylor Kelley's Padlet Map by Taylor Kelley

Deep Gap, NC

kelleytm — 2024-09-12 21:42:36 UTC

My family has lived on and operated a farm for as long as I can remember and I have always been surrounded by a huge variety of animals, whether that be sheep, goats, alpacas, cows, pigs, chickens, or ducks. From a young age, I learned the sanctity of life and developed a deep respect for the animals and various produce that we raised and grew. Growing up in this environment, I became aware of the interconnectedness between humans, animals, and the Earth. This experience instilled a strong sense of responsibility and care for all living things, and shaped my values and understanding of the natural world.

Holden Beach, NC

kelleytm — 2024-09-12 21:52:12 UTC

Growing up, my whole family and extended relatives would always plan a special trip each year to Holden Beach to spend time with each other and to visit my great grandmother, who passed away a few months ago. These trips taught me the importance of togetherness, family, and support. Spending time together on these outings helped create a sense of unity within our whole family, many of which I would have never even met if it wasn't for these trips to Holden. The memories and values that I gained from these moments are something I will carry with me for the rest of my life, working to remind me of the strength that comes from familial bonds.

Sugar Grove, NC

kelleytm — 2024-09-12 22:03:09 UTC

I have lived in Boone, NC my whole life and have never had the chance to experience a move or starting over in a completely new area before; although some say I'm lucky for that. However, I was just recently able to save up enough money to start renting a house away from my parents, for the first time in my life. Although it is still in the same area, I feel very fortunate to have been able to find a place of my own and also for the independence they instilled in me from a young age. This new chapter marks a significant milestone for me, and having a space of my own really gives me a sense of freedom and responsibility that I've never fully been able to experience before. I'm grateful for the grounding my parents gave me and, although it may not be a huge move, it's still a step towards building my own path.