Compiled by Stacy Thomas Photos by Evan Rivard
CARA NOEL, 17, Student HENRYVILLE
What is important to you right now?
This is my last year in high school, and I am not wasting it! I am trying a lot of new things: learning piano, internships, scuba diving certification. Learning new things has always been important to me.
What is the best thing that has happened to you in the last year?
I went to Bonnaroo. Even if you hate music and being sweaty, everyone should attend a music festival once in their life. As cliché as it sounds, it will change your perspective on living.
If money were no object, what would you be doing?
Backpacking across other countries, helping people and experiencing their cultures.
What does the concept of home mean to you?
After living in three different houses and moving schools five times, home is not a destination for me. Home is found in the special people that make you feel safe and happy.
What are your thoughts on the current state of the world?
I feel that the media informs people on too many negative topics. There will always be something wrong in the world. It is up to individuals to make a positive difference if they want to see it.
How does social media affect your life?
I have made so many long term friendships through social media. The majority of people I follow on social media live a life I aspire to have, so it motivates me to stick to my goals.
How do you de-stress and unwind?
Physical activity. A long walk with my dog can easily calm me down. I also practice yoga daily and go to the gym.
What do you love about Southern Indiana? It is a hidden gem in America. I love it!
CHEF OLA WALKER, 67
Head Chef at Chef Walker’s BBQ; Retired Air Force and School Board,NEW ALBANY
What is important to you right now?
I enjoy being a chef. I am a people person. I love talking to and meeting people. I enjoy feeding people. It’s the right thing to do. My wife and I also help feed the homeless in the area through the church.
If money were no object, what would you be doing?
Reaching out to people and helping people that need help.
What does the concept of home mean to you?
Home is about making a good life for yourself with strong, stable relationships. It is about surrounding yourself with people who won’t get you sidetracked and steer you in the wrong direction.
How does social media affect your life?
I don’t understand it. I don’t even have an email address. I do all my business by phone or in person. I don’t see how people do it – especially while driving. People need to pay more attention to each other and what is really going on around them.
How do you de-stress and unwind?
I like to travel with the kids in the summer.
What do you love about Southern Indiana? I love the New Albany Farmer’s Market, city events, and Harvest Homecoming. We are entering our busy season from April through October.
NOTE: To Chef Walker, “home” is also about making a good sauce – as in hot wing sauce and his Alabama Grandmother’s infamous Apple Butter Barbeque Sauce. These sauces pair wonderfully with his ribs, pulled pork or chicken. In addition to his savory smoked meats, he offers his specialty bean mix, collard greens and corn muffins. Catch him early – he tends to sell out – at the New Albany Farmer’s Market every Saturday starting in April. Although you can’t email him in advance to hold a corn muffin, just look for the smoke signals and follow your nose.
JOHN PARK, 19, Student LOUISVILLE
What is important to you right now? Academics and health.
What scares you the most? Nothing really does.
What is the best thing that has happened to you in the last year?
I have been blessed with the people around me and their great company.
If money were no object, what would you be doing? Travelling the world with a dog.
What does the concept of home mean to you? Home for me is when you can be whatever you wish to be and do.
What are your thoughts on the current state of the world? I believe that the world is full of love and beauty, yet the evil wants to stop it.
How does social media affect your life?
I became more educated with events going on around my area and the world.
How do you de-stress and unwind?
I like to go into deep thinkings, just exploring your mind.
What are you currently reading and why?
The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. It gives me ideas to find my purpose on this Earth.
What do you love about Southern Indiana?
There are numerous things that I love about Southern Indiana, but most importantly, I love the people I have met around here.
