(Katie Wade, 17 years old, moved to Wallingford in 2003. She’s embarking on an adventure, and wanted to let her neighbors know as well as ask their support.)
My whole life, I have been taught by my family that my life should my own. It should be whatever I make of it, and I shouldn’t be afraid to shape it the way I want. When I was 15 years old, I made a decision that very much changed my life. I decided to leave regular school, not because I hated it, not because I thought it was a waste of time, but because I knew, as a learner, that my education was not inside a classroom at a desk, or computer, or textbook, it was out there in the world.
Since then, I have had the most amazing privilege, to able to seize every opportunity that comes my way. I got to hike the Appalachian Trail, where I met some of the most happy, and amazing people I know. Even though so far, I have had an education like no other and have learned so much, I still strive to explore the world. I want to explore cultures, environments, and meet the people who inhabit this earth, outside of the typical, mostly white, middle class, financially stable, democratic, well educated, mostly Christian, healthy, privileged American society.
There are approximately 6 billion other human beings on this earth, each with their own lives, stories, fears and strengths, tragedy’s and triumphs, and half of the people who can help make this world a better place, won’t take the time to look up from their computer screen or their oversized dinner plates to do anything about it. I know, just being who I am, that I can make a difference in people’s lives, and I hope to inspire others to do the same. I am told that I am independent, capable, strong, smart, creative, and a little crazy. But I believe that the people who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.
Come hear me speak about Success (and other misconceptions), to hear my story of success, my passion for the world and the people in it, and my dream to inspire others to step out of what society has told us we should aim to achieve.
I am holding this public event/fundraiser on March 7th, 11:30-2:00, at the Fremont Abbey. For more information and tickets, please go here or like my Facebook page:
“There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”
-Nelson Mandela