Growing a Farmer: Book 1, Blog Post 1

I think it's safe to say that USC students are extremely motivated and goal-oriented. We have worked hard in school, sports, and extracurriculars our entire lives to get to where we are today. That's why a book like Growing a Farmer is so fascinating to me. Instead of a story about overcoming the odds for financial gain or to move up the economic ladder, this is a story about overcoming the odds and leaving behind the rat race for a simpler, more fulfilling life. The author, Kurt Timmermeister, describes his move from his bustling life in downtown Seattle to start a farm on a sleepy, lonely property in Vashon, Washington. Kurt was so ingrained into the city lifestyle that he never learned to drive while he lived there (for the first 30 years of his life). This Seattle move is the exact reverse of what is happening in my own life, since I grew up in Duluth, GA, and will be moving to downtown Seattle next year. 

I can relate to Kurt in how he "turned to reading early for direction and inspiration." I had a blessed childhood where my parents were strong mentors, and I had books to fall back upon for entertainment and education. Unfortunately, Kurt did not have the "idyllic family life that [he] saw on the sitcoms of the era," and books took over the essential roles of being his friends, inspirations, and mentors. Most importantly, "no one encouraged [him, and] no one corrected [his] outrageous and unrealistic views of the world." Kurt directly attributes his choice to leave Seattle and start a farm to how naive he was from minimal mentorship growing up. It may appear obvious to most people, but Kurt acknowledges he had no idea how difficult it was to start a small farm and succeed financially. I have seen firsthand how instrumental a strong support system is in life. My parents were amazing role models, and I constantly wonder how my life might look without such positive reinforcement. 

As a senior about to enter the workforce for the next 40 years, a major personal goal is to avoid the rat race and have a fulfilling life. Although I have only read the first few chapters, I'm excited to follow Kurt's unusual journey and see how the simplest of lifestyles might just be the most gratifying.

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