My name is Kole Edwin Kracaw. I was born in Boise, Idaho but moved to Winnemucca, Nevada at a very young age and have since been raised there. My time in Winnemucca was one of a love hate relationship; I hated that it was a small town, devoid of any culture or opportunity, but loved that it made me the person I am today (who I consider to be great). In fact, Winnemucca was one of the chief influences on me coming to Linfield in that it influenced me to get as far away as I could from it. Of course, Linfield had much more to offer than its proximity to Winnemucca; I loved its focus on studying abroad and emphasis on cultural diversity (my roommate is an international student from China and, incidentally, the first person I’ve ever met from China). As Winnemucca was literally in the middle of nowhere, traveling of any kind was a huge deal so living in another country has always been something I’ve liked to experience. My intended major is Economics.
Right now I am focusing on goals for this year rather than my life goals right now. As I quickly found out, moving away from home and away from the only comfort you’ve ever known seems to put things in perspective rather fast. I’ve realized my goals for thirty years from now are hinging on the goals I make this year. So far my goals have been thus: I’m trying to stay at Linfield without running back home, which has so far been successful; to become as involved as I can while at the same time not overwhelming myself; and finally to maintain a respectable GPA. All other goals I might have I believe will be related or similar to the aforementioned goals.
My dream job is Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court. I have also thought about becoming a teacher or professor, but as long as we are still dreaming this job will pay extremely well and the school district will frequently provide its teachers with all-expenses-paid vacations to luxurious resorts for “teaching conferences”.
Have I been homesick, nervous, scared? In a word, yes. Beginning college has made me all of the above; homesick, scared and nervous. What’s interesting though is that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed myself so far. There’s been so much stuff to do here (which is in stark contrast to Winnemucca) I haven’t really had time to think about how homesick, nervous, and scared I am.