Hist 105, RCI (Sec 07) S-2013, RC Weller

Roots of our Contemporary Selves (2/13/2013)

Lucas Anderson (lucas.anderson@email.wsu.edu), Row 3
As I sit here contemplating my past and all aspects of life that have
affected my present, I recall my childhood and upbringing along with the
influence of my parents, religion, friendships, and even world events. These
aspects of life (along with many others) have worked to shape me even
before I was born. In fact, every individual piece history has been a
constant process to shape my individuality of today. Through this process of
life and all of the specific events, people, and ideas that have influenced my
own, I have become the person I am today.
I was born on March 1st, 1994 yet the processes and events that would
shape my life began far before that. From the birth of civilization and man,
the start of globalization and industrialization, to even the furthering of
equality in America has worked to shape my present outlook on life. Through
evolution and modernization, the 21st century (and the later part of the 20th
century) became what we know them as today. The genetic makeup of who I
am, (Caucasian, brown haired, male, etc) have been in the process since the
first humans walked the earth and the journey my ancestors took eventually
brought me to the place of my birth, and most likely affected where I

currently am. Technology and the industrialized world of today also continue
to play a great role in my life and the foundation for who I am. The modern
conveniences of today have definitely shaped who I am through the
simplicity of tasks that, should I have been born at a different time would
have a completely different effect on the outcome of my life. Finally,
globalization and specifically the colonization of the Americas from the
eastern world (such as my European heritage) definitely shaped my life on
the matters of race, language, and the culture in which I have been raised.
These aspects have been in the process to shape who I am even before I
was born.
As I mentioned before, I was born on March 1st, 1994. I was born in
Federal Way, Washington where I have continued to live throughout my life
(excluding my schooling in Pullman of course, as I am 18, I still live in this
residence when I return from Washington State University). During the
early years of my life, the years of discovery, the main influences were the
care from my parents and the worldly influences around me. My parents
based their teachings and upbringing of me around standard Christian
principles that I still identify with today (basic principles such as obeying
your parents, not to lie, cheat, or steal, and to be a good influence upon

those around me). These principles continue to affect and guide my life
nearly twenty years later. Further, my own experiences in the world around
me including the basic discoveries of life a child notices in the early years of
exploration of ones self. While I dont remember much about my early
years here on earth (specifically the 1990s) I do remember day care and
pre-school in Seattle (both of my parents worked in the city at the time). I
remember the affect growing up in the city had on my life such as the
complete diversity, crowded areas, and the unique ideas coming from
seemingly every aspect of life. This was the first real influence of other
cultures and perspectives in my life that would continue to play a major role
in my affluence for seeing the world outside of my own understanding of
what the world is.
I began kindergarten in 2000 at a small school near my house in
Federal Way named Brooklake. It was a small private, Christian school that
only went up to 6th grade at the time (I however would only stay through 4 th
grade). This was my first encounter with childhood friends who would stay
with me to this day. My best friend probably up until I left for college is
Ryan Gouras, a childhood friend I met in Kindergarten who would go to
school with my through 10th grade. We did every thing together and I

believe this friendship has been a basis for other friendships that would
develop throughout my life. In 2002 (when I was in second grade) my
younger, and only sibling Zac (who was born August 21st 1996), began
kindergarten at the same school I was currently attending. This would start
a great bond between us that continues to this day even though we are
nearly 300 miles apart. Throughout my early years of schooling, my mother
took a break from work (and eventually got a job at the school I was
attending) to be with my brother and I when we got off school and continue
to instill proper values during these important years in psychological
development.
Furthering my education, in 5th grade I transferred schools to Life
Christian Academy in Tacoma where I would finish my elementary, middle
school, and high school learning. During this time I would make many friends
that I still consider my friends today (however most of us went our separate
ways for higher education). This is also where I would (in 6 th grade) meet my
current college roommate Davis Divers. Middle school and High school were
an important time for my life in social and educational development. This is
where I would learn many techniques and basics for my current learning and
really begin open my mind to the diversity of the world. My school had a

major presence of international students, specifically from South Korea.

These kids were widely accepted and loved by the majority of the student
body and really brought a cultural understanding to the student body. Other
cultural influences in my own life during this time would come from Russia,
South America and Mexico, and various parts of Africa. Furthering my
social behavior however, this is really the first time I had relationships and
interactions from students of various schools (public and private) offering
multiple views towards a variety of racial, religious, and social outlooks (such
as atheism, Islam, divorced parents, and multiple siblings/only children).
Another major influence during my MS/HS career was sports, specifically
football. This brought an even deeper understanding of other outlooks on
life through the traveling and bonding between various teams and players,
examining where other people come from and what they have been through.
Unfortunately, I would go onto completely wreck my left knee which would
end my football playing career which would also require two surgeries. This
would start the long process of recovery bringing a plethora of new people
and outlooks into my life (my surgeries and physical therapy would take place
in the heart of Seattle). Throughout the later part of my High School
career, I always new I wanted to go to WSU (this was due to the fact I

knew that based on my grades and SAT scores I would be accepted by the
university). After I received my admission letter, I would coast for the rest
of my time at Life Christian, focusing on friendships, family, and finding my
purpose in life (Im still looking of course). This I believe is a current driving
factor in my life and I continue to draw from various aspects of life looking
for what I want to accomplish and be remembered for.
My path at WSU has stemmed from a variety of influences. My
roommates father (and majority of his relatives) was a WSU alumnus and
never had a bad thing to say about his time here. Also, the two most
recognized institutions in Washington are UW and WSU so I figured it
would be beneficial to choose a highly recognized school later in life. Finally,
my time at WSU has been great, I am however, still looking for my place in
society and the degree I want, but am considering a small variety of options
(mainly finance, but I have also considered other business majors, or even
focusing on an English or humanitarian degree). This stems from my want to
benefit the world in some way and affluence for other cultures, I have not
yet figured out which way I will be suited for best, but am sure whatever
path my life continues to play out in I will be able to benefit society and
culture.

Finally, by doing the PLHRP I have understood how various outlooks on

life and other cultures have worked to shape my life. Also my own
backgrounds such as parents, friends, and religion have also played a major
role in how I present myself today. My place here at WSU stems from the
great things I heard about the school before I had to make a decision and
probably the great distance between my residence and the institution. My
focus of study has not been decided yet, however I am still contemplating
and at this point in my life believe a business major may be in my future
based on my love of culture and want for influencing the world in a positive
way. My direction for the future also stems from my love of culture and I
see myself exploring multiple places of the world after I acquire my degree
(whatever that degree might be). Secondly, in doing the PLHRP, I have a
greater appreciation and understanding of cultures and the globalization
that has brought each individual to where they presently are. History
through technology, culture, and various events and individuals has
completely shaped what the world is today. Finally, the PLHRP has created a
better understanding for why history is important through the examination
of myself and how all events have shaped where my life is today, who I am,
and where my life is headed tomorrow.