My grandfather, who lived with us as I was growing up, was a labor organizer. I think that was where I formed my ideas about social justice, including the idea that you can fight back and have some effect.
As a 5th generation Nevada County person, my ancestors seemed always to be involved in community organizations such as the Elks, Soroptimist, and the Ladies Relief Society. And my parents have been members of the Grass Valley Sportsman’s Club and California Fish and Game Commission.
Most emerging sages attended traditional public elementary and secondary schools, but some were home-schooled and others attended private schools. Virtually all earned either a bachelor’s degree or an associate’s degree—a significantly higher level of education attainment than most of their counterparts in Western Nevada County. Many attended more than one undergraduate institution, and one shifted among eight colleges before getting his bachelor’s degree. Ten earned a master’s degree, ten also earned a Ph. D. or other advanced graduate degree, and one is currently pursuing a Ph. D. Others are actively involved in continuing education, although not necessarily in pursuit of a degree. Forty-three attended college at a wide range of California public and private institutions, and seven graduated from colleges and universities in other states: Nevada, Nebraska, Montana, Colorado, Ohio, New York, and Massachusetts.
Most emerging sage leaders lived in multiple communities during their childhood, and 12 had life-defining international experiences. Some of the emerging sages worked in the Peace Corps in Russia and Honduras, the American Refugee Committee health program in Malawi, Africa, the Seeds of Learning Program in Nicaragua and El Salvador, and as a bicycle tour guide in Italy. Others studied abroad in Costa Rica, Brazil, Spain, Italy, and Germany while a few simply traveled to such countries as Cyprus, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. And one lived as a child in Geneva, Switzerland. These young leaders say their international experiences gave them a global perspective on which to base their lives.
Download Article 1K Club
