We all have memories from our childhood. We all have those moments from when we were younger that we wish we could just go back to. These fond memories can have a tremendous influence on who people become during their high school and adult years. The 2015 film “Inside Out” introduced the concept of “core memories” that directly influence who we are, and although core memories aren’t a real thing, it gives an idea of the lasting effects that childhood memories can have.
In this article we’re going to be taking a look at what some of those moments are for our fellow Mavericks. I put out a Google Form asking students to give a favorite memory from their childhood and there were some interesting answers.
One respondent said that their favorite memory from childhood was going on scavenger hunts in preschool during the summer and spring where they would get different tasks to do for a month. Preschool is an interesting time period because it’s the first point in your life where you’re not at home on a regular basis and you’re hanging around and playing games with kids your own age. However, we tend to forget things that happened at this early age as we get older. I don’t remember a lot about my experience at preschool besides learning letters, numbers, and shapes, so it’s interesting that this person has such a vivid memory from an often forgotten period of life.
Another student responded “camping with family and friends.” Camping can be a great way to spend time with the people who are most important to you, especially in a state like Oregon which is known for its nature, and the memories that can be created from sitting around the campfire, playing games, and hiking can last a lifetime. Some of the best places in Oregon to go camping include Crater Lake National Park, Trillium Lake, Cape Blanco State Park, and Devils Lake.
Family plays a crucial role in someone’s childhood, and the relationship with your siblings is particularly important. One student mentioned their brother, saying that their favorite childhood memory is “watching my brother grow up to now be such an amazing adult.” As an only child, I can’t relate to this particular memory and while a lot of the time I’m glad to not have any siblings. Reading this response makes me see the positive side of having siblings and makes me wonder what that would be like. Having a sibling can create a lifelong bond that can have a positive influence on you as you grow older.
Another response read “Going berry picking with my family and then getting cookies/ice cream after!” Similar to the camping memory from earlier, it’s an outdoor activity being done with family which can create some great memories. Also, getting cookies and ice cream sounds like the perfect way to end a day of berry picking. Some good places to get ice cream in the Portland area include Ome Calli, Cosmic Bliss, and Cool Moon Ice Cream.
Memories like these are great to have because they provide happy moments that you can look back on for the rest of your life. These experiences can positively shape who you become as you grow up.
