Hi! I’m Madison but I go by Maddy. This is my second semester here at BSU. I did go to a community college near my hometown for a year before transferring here. I appreciated that year at a smaller school because it was a good transition from high school to a big university. I moved here from a small town in Southwest Washington that doesn’t even have a stoplight. My family raised beef cattle, and growing up I rodeoed and showed cattle. My horses were very important to me, and how I relaxed and how I escaped the pressures of school and work and whatever else life threw my way.

I’m from a middle-class, conservative family. Growing up, I think this narrowed my views on certain things, mostly because I didn’t encounter very many diverse views. My real-world experience was a bit limited. This wasn’t because my parents sheltered me in any way, but more because there just wasn’t a lot going on in my small town. They always encouraged me to go away to college, because it was my chance to see the world in an environment that was different and that I could make my own. For my upbringing, I like to consider myself extremely open minded; there are a lot of people where I’m from who aren’t as accepting. So, my “lens” is ever-changing as I gain new experiences and knowledge about the world. Moving to Boise was a big deal for me, and I learn new things every day. The world is so full of people and ideas, and I am loving my experiences away from home. My major is pre-radiology, and I am taking this class to fulfill my DLL. I chose this class specifically because the topics we are expected to cover interested me.

The majority of my upbringing was in rural Idaho. I spent my middle school and high schools years in Kimberly, Idaho. As soon as I graduated I moved here to Boise to attend college. I believe that the way I was raised and where I grew up has greatly influenced me as a person. I have great parents, who were strict and religious but loving and fair. I spent a lot of time with my family and still have a great relationship with my siblings today.

I remember reading Shakespeare and To Kill a Mockingbird in high school. I enjoy reading crime/thriller fiction, biographies, and I am fascinated with medical history and diseases.

I learn whats going on in the world by watching the news (KTVB),  and speaking with co-workers and family.

I spend my leisure time with my family, cooking, watching movies, reading books, shopping for antiques, and completing household projects. I feel I have a very simple outlook of the world because I stay consistent with what I do and who I do it with. I feel more immersed in culture and the world when I get to travel to different places. This allows me to interact with other people/cultures, eat new food, and visit historical landmarks.

Growing up in a religious family gave me a specific perspective on what was right and wrong. Now that I am older and have experienced things in my own life, I have my own perspective. I feel like everyone has the right to live the way they want (unless they are harming others or breaking the law) because in the end its not my job to harshly judge others for their decisions. I am concentrating on my own life and trying to do whats best for me and my family. I think its important to have your own opinions and values as an adult but to still be open to new ideas.

My father has been a huge influence on shaping who I am as a person. His work ethic, independence, love of family, respect of others and genuine personality have all influenced my decisions and efforts to become a better person. I am so thankful to have such a strong and positive influence in my life.