Everyone has a unique life story shaped by their environment, family, and personal experiences. I had the opportunity to interview, Ona Neveah, to gain a deeper understanding of how enculturation and environment influenced her upbringing. Through this interview, she shared insight into her childhood, challenges, and personal growth.
“What was it like growing up for you? What was the environment like?”
Amaya grew up in a cramped three-bedroom house, sharing it with eight people, including her parents, uncles, and grandparents. With so many people living under one roof, space was limited, and privacy was rare. Financial struggles were a reality in her household, and every purchase had to be carefully considered. “We had to think twice every time before we spent money,” she explained, highlighting the financial difficulties her family faced.
“What did you define as luxury while growing up?”
For Amaya, luxury was something that others might take for granted. “Luxury was having two bathrooms and going out to nice restaurants or having steaks,” she shared. Simple conveniences like an extra bathroom were rare in her home, making everyday life a lesson in patience and sharing.
“Were you disciplined as a child? How did you tell apart bad behavior from good?”
Discipline played a significant role in shaping Amaya’s values. She credits her mother for teaching her right from wrong whenever she made mistakes. “My mom always made sure I understood what I did wrong and corrected me,” she said. Her upbringing instilled in her a strong sense of responsibility and respect.
“Was there anything you considered normal, but it wasn’t normal to everyone else?”
As she grew older, Amaya realized that some aspects of her childhood were unique to her family. “I learned that sharing a bathroom with seven other people wasn’t normal, and having an uncle who isn’t blood-related living with us was something not everyone experienced,” she reflected. These realizations gave her a new perspective on her upbringing.
School Life & Social Challenges
During elementary and middle school, Amaya struggled with shyness and social anxiety. “I was shy and afraid to make new friends because I didn’t like talking to people. I was scared because I couldn’t pronounce a lot of words correctly,” she admitted. Despite these challenges, she gradually became more comfortable with social interactions.
Personal Growth & Perceptions
When asked about childhood trauma, Amaya confidently responded, “No, I didn’t have trauma growing up because my family loved me and kept me safe.” This strong support system played a crucial role in her overall well-being.
Although she didn’t mention specific insecurities, Amaya did share an important message: “I may look mean, but I’m friendly once you get to know me.” This statement reflects the complexity of first impressions and how she hopes people take the time to understand her beyond appearances.
Amaya O’Neal Kidd’s story highlights the resilience and strength that come from growing up in a challenging yet loving environment. Her experiences shaped her into someone who values family, understands hardship, and continues to grow as a person. Through her story, we gain insight into how upbringing and personal experiences shape identity and perception.
