Real People Feature: Holly Hundermark

Who are you? 

Who am I? I am an Auntie, a friend, a daughter, and a sister. My dad refers to me as "Punklish Kite" while my big sister calls me "Wollum" or "Wormie." However, to most people, I am Holly.

What is the best advice you've ever given or received and why?

The best advice I’ve received is to be true to myself and proud of my accomplishments. If I can’t accept who I am, then why would anyone else? 

The best advice I’ve ever given is to spend as much time as possible with the people you love. To me, my loved ones are everything. I find that many people who are in search of love are looking in the wrong places. If you can first find love and comfort within your family and friends, then the other “true” love will eventually find you.

What has been the greatest challenge in your life and why?

On the surface level, college has been the greatest challenge of my life. It is difficult to maintain decent grades with the stress of my future dwelling around me. 

On a personal level, the greatest challenges in my life have been to see people I love in sickness and pain. As I get older, it gets a little easier to overcome these issues rather than go into shutdown mode. Everyday I see a bit more strength in myself with dealing with such issues.

What has been the greatest joy in your life and why?

Without a doubt, the greatest joy in my life has been from my nieces. They teach me about a different type of love that comes naturally. They also allow me to develop into my more mature and responsible “adult” years. 

On a sillier note, I find extreme joy in dogs/puppies. Nothing cheers me up faster than seeing a dog walking down the street or sitting in my lap!

What is the one thing you have not done that you really want to do and why?

The one thing I haven’t done but would like to do is study abroad for a semester. I wish I were gutsier and willing to expose myself to another country and a new culture. It would be especially interesting to be in a school environment, and it would be an eye opening experience! 

I also wish I had a bit more crazy in my soul. If that were the case, I would do something nuts, like jump out of a plane! 

Although I doubt either of these things will be a part of my future, I will make an effort to travel to more exotic places. That way I can see the world for what it is as a whole. 

*****

Thank you, Holly, for being the first contributor to the Real People Feature! I keep picturing you with my 90 lb. Rottweiler sitting in your lap, and I can't help but smile. 

Have any of you readers ever studied abroad or been skydiving? What were your experiences like? 

Everyone has a story to tell. What's yours?

P.S. If you'd like to participate in a Real People Feature, send me a message at cally@frommyhearthtoyours.com or comment below. We'd love to hear from you.