As someone who used to work with at-risk youth, I am well-aware of how a child’s living environment can impact their development and well-being. Most professionals limit this to the home environment but I personally would extend it to the regional area a child lives in, as this plays a critical part in the child’s cultural perspectives and values. I was pretty lucky to grow up in a stable, loving home and have lived all but the first three months of my life in Arizona. Growing up in the desert and spending time with family in incredibly rural areas, I believe, taught me a thing or two about life. Check out these 15 life lessons shared by many Arizonans.
- Drink water every day.
Oliver Degabriele/Flickr Also, always carry water with you.
- Water is precious, so limit your use.
Steve Johnson/Flickr
- Do not swim in canals.
Geoff Livingston/Flickr
- Always watch where you step.
Jeanette M. Otis/Flickr
- And always shake your shoes before putting them on.
J. Curtis/Flickr You know why.
- If going into rural or wilderness areas, always let someone know where you’re going.
Take A Hike Arizona/Flickr Bring a buddy if you can.
- The sun can definitely cook food.
Erik Burton/Flickr
- It can also cook you.
Phil Kates/Flickr Recovering from a bad sunburn probably had you rethinking sunscreen.
- You know exactly how to find the best parking spot.
Johnida Dockens/Flickr I think I see a shady spot.
- If you came from a responsible gun-owning family, you learned gun safety at an early age.
Ray Dehler/Flickr
- All Arizona drivers can be crazy drivers.
Alexander Nie/Flickr But not as bad as those people from out-of-state, right?
- Always be prepared to dress for two climates, especially when traveling around the state.
Wolfman- K/Flickr Sometimes it’s colder in Tuba City than you think.
13. Stake your claim early for parade routes.
Oliver Degabriele/Flickr
Also, always carry water with you.
Steve Johnson/Flickr
Geoff Livingston/Flickr
Jeanette M. Otis/Flickr
J. Curtis/Flickr
You know why.
Take A Hike Arizona/Flickr
Bring a buddy if you can.
Erik Burton/Flickr
Phil Kates/Flickr
Recovering from a bad sunburn probably had you rethinking sunscreen.
Johnida Dockens/Flickr
I think I see a shady spot.
Ray Dehler/Flickr
Alexander Nie/Flickr
But not as bad as those people from out-of-state, right?
Wolfman- K/Flickr
Sometimes it’s colder in Tuba City than you think.
- Those basic bilingual (or, better yet, trilingual) skills you learned in school or on the playground will help you out one day.
David Amsler/Flickr
- Perhaps most important of all, you learned to respect nature and all of her wonders.
Alan English/Flickr
What other life lessons have you learned from growing up in Arizona? Tell us in the comments below!
David Amsler/Flickr
Alan English/Flickr
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