Sarah’s Story

Moving to a new place can be difficult for some people. Leaving friends, family, and places you’ve known for a long time can come as a scare. Sarah Harstad, a freshman at Iowa Lakes Community College, was born in California so she knows the challenges moving brings.

Moving North

Originally hailing from California, Sarah and her family moved to Fairmont, Minnesota when she was 9 years old when her father received a new job. Sarah’s father had family in Minnesota which is why Fairmont became their new residence.

“I was okay with moving because I didn’t want to attend Palmdale High School which was rumored to be dangerous,” Sarah said, “also, two people who were involved with my past were being released from prison so I didn’t want to be there (California) for that.”

While Sarah and her father moved to Minnesota, Sarah’s mother was battling with her personal demons.

“I would go to my mom’s house on the weekends and it seemed like she was always caught up in something dangerous or even illegal,” Sarah said.

No specifics were given on the illegal activity of Sarah’s mother.

Sarah’s Favorite Pastime

Often times you can catch Sarah watching YouTube as it is her favorite pastime. 

“I’ve been watching YouTube for six or seven years now,” said Sarah, “it all started watching random videos until I found a group of people I liked.”

YouTube is also where Sarah’s biggest inspiration in life was found. Liza Koshy had dealt with numerous mental health issues while creating YouTube Content. She then took a break to win the battle against depression. Now Koshy has returned to YouTube and is a major mental health advocate. 

Since finding that group of people, Sarah has continued to watch YouTube to this day.

If you need updates on what is going on in the YouTube community, Sarah is a good person to talk to.