Even if you are from the same neighborhood as someone else, you might still be coming from different places.  Where you are from is a complicated question and it elicits complicated, but interesting and thought-provoking responses. We’ve shared some of those responses below.

Sarah Whipple | Personal Trainer + Run Coach

I am from Scottsdale, AZ and I was recruited by the University of Oregon to run on scholarship for the University of Oregon in Track and Cross Country. I excelled, failed and learned a lot about myself, my body, being apart of a team and self-discipline. I’m currently back I Scottsdale with my husband, son and baby girl on the way. I have been in the fitness industry for 5 years, training clients 1:1, teaching group classes and being apart of a larger community; a lululemon Run Ambassador. Competing at such a high level in college, with the best athletes in the world, I was able to set the bar high with the people I’m around and who I am as an athlete. College also humbled me and I am happy to say that I love to train ALL levels. Read more>>

Rikki Jean | DJ & Music Producer

My entire life has always revolved around music. I was raised listening to Metallica, Iron Maiden, Pink Floyd, Ozzy Ozborne, etc,. One of my fondest memories is riding around with my dad in his old Jeep Wrangler, blasting Enter Sandman, which became one of my all-time favorite songs and biggest inspirations. The way Kirk Hammett raged his riff in Enter Sandman always gave me chills- still does to this day. This sparked my taste for the heavier side of music- I soon got into bands like Korn, Slipknot, Godsmack, Disturbed. I am from Chandler Arizona, right next to Chandler Fashion Center, which at the time was a rough area. I met a lot of kids who had similar struggles to me and even had the same musical interests as me. Read more>>

Stuart Epstein | Musician & Founder of Six Strings Acoustic

I grew up in Oceanside, New York on Long Island. When the Beatles hit the US all the friends in the neighborhood wanted to be a band. My Dad got me a guitar and I have been playing my whole life. I pursued other careers but always played the guitar for my own personal entertainment and it connected me with other musicians. As I got older I wanted to share my music and play in front of small groups. A teacher of Special Needs students heard me one day and asked if I would come to her school and play for the kids. The rest they say is history. Over three years ago I formed a non-profit, Six Strings Acoustic and we play for over 100 students. Read more>>

Kay McDonald | Social Entrepreneur and Founder of Charity Charms

I have always wanted to save the world. Injustice, inequality, poverty, and cruelty to people and animals have always upset me and it’s hard for me to watch the news and sleep. Not being a trust fund baby. But knowing in my gut I needed to devote my life to helping others a path developed that provided a way to make a difference in the world. Here is my story. My father was in the Air Force and I was blessed to see a good part of the world before I was a teenager. We lived in Italy and Greece and took trips throughout the middle east. All countries have a modicum of poverty and injustice, but my eyes were opened early. I realized how lucky I was always having food, clothing, and a roof over my head. Throughout my journeys, I experienced the plight of underprivileged people begging on the streets. I didn’t see that in America, so it really rattled my soul. Read more>>