My name in Amber Van Roekel (on the left). I am a student at Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. I graduated from the Media Design Program at the beginning of May, 2023.
I have lived on a farm just outside of Alvord, Iowa, my whole life. All twenty-one years of it. Looking back at my childhood there were so many adventures that I went on. So many cats and dogs (and pigs) that I had – and lost (or ate). I have three other siblings and we all love to laugh. Me especially, and my two sisters and one brother know that well.
My siblings and I were homeschooled. It was a great experience because I got really close to my family. We followed different curriculums and had more free time to play and use our imaginations. I strongly believe that no kid should have to stay stuck at a desk for eight hours, five days a week.
Having been homeschooled, I developed my love for reading. We read so many books and learned so much through storytelling. Of course, we had our big textbooks, but reading about history through story was the best way to learn. Our field trips included doing nature studies in our backyard, and the library and playground were our kingdoms.
I’ve grown up in a Christian household. And having lived on a farm my whole life, I can say that there are many times when I’ve seen God work. Being homeschooled, my mom and dad were able to teach us history through the Christian worldview. There have been many times throughout my young adult years that I haven’t been grateful for it.
Growing up, I always loved drawing. I stuck with my pencils and that was it. But in my junior year of high school I had my first online art lesson. I learned all about the different mediums and dived right into the deep end. I sculpted with clay (making a big mess), played with charcoal (made an even bigger mess), and experimented with acrylic and watercolor paints (to this day I still don’t know how I got paint on my nose or feet. Don’t ask. I still make messes with whatever medium I play with).
After graduating high school, I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do with my life. I took a gap year where I worked at a factory, making frozen pastries among other delicious foods. It wasn’t what I’d call my favorite thing to do. That was the longest gap year ever. After I took a bit of time to think and pray over it, I knew I wanted to work within the creative field. Thus, I applied for the Media Design program at STC, and boom! Here we are today!
I am excited to see what the future holds and what new opportunities come about! I know life is hard, but in the end, all things work together for good!