Academy student: Tammy
Tammy, a second year Camphill Academy student and short-term coworker, is from Messtetten, a small town in southwest Germany. She commented, “I had always wanted to live abroad and just go away from home for a while,” she explains. “The first time I went away, it was really hard the whole time and I was wondering, do I even want this? What if it’s a mistake? Saying goodbye for the first time for so long and being so far away, it’s super hard, but then I think the more you do it, the easier it gets.
(L to R) Tammy, Anna and Alex
Before joining our community, Tammy spent time at Community Homestead in Wisconsin and Newton Dee Camphill in Scotland. While in Wisconsin, she was offered the chance to milk cows, which she tried. She fell in love with the cows and farming! The Camphill lifestyle and ethos resonated with Tammy, and as her tenure at Community Homestead wound down, she began to wonder what was next. Luckily, she met someone who told her about the Camphill Academy and Camphill Kimberton Hills.
Tammy enjoys all of her workshops, but being out in nature is her favorite. “I would rather be outside all day, every day. I like the orchard because it’s a nice crew and Derrick is like, the best. And it’s one of the most chill workshops. I’m outdoorsy, I would say. It’s always fun and it’s an amazing crew. Ted is there, and now we have Carmine, Wyatt, and Sonya. It’s a good group. Derrick sets the tone — he’s so positive.
(L to R) Tammy, Ted, Lilli, Sagamba, Derrick and Carmine
“I also like the estate, because I work with Alex and he is just great. It’s nice to see Steven there because he’s my mentor. Plus, I have to admit, I love to split wood! Alex and I, we have such a dynamic, I split, and he throws it into the truck or stacks it, and it’s easy, slow, and nice. And then I love the dairy too because of the cows. I like the fast pace and being outside with the quad, and driving over the fields.
(L to R) Tammy, Noah, Ted and Crystal
“I’m really interested in animals, and their health and care, and it’s always nice to learn something new. When I go to school, I will most likely study to be a vet assistant or a vet tech or something in that field. The main reason I will leave to go to school is to have a backup plan, so that if I don’t want to live in a Camphill anymore, I have something to go back to. I really like community life and I think that’s our future, but my life goal, or life dream, is to have a sanctuary to save animals and maybe start my own Camphill. I wish I could take Apple with me. She’s my favorite cow and I just love her.”
Apple and Tammy
“One of the highlights of the year so far was the other week, Derrick, Beth, Noah and I went sledding behind the CSA building. It was so much fun. We were just constantly laughing and it was hilarious and so beautiful.”
Sledding fun!