Charlotte, 18, is a University student from Devon
What are your hobbies?
Laughing, eating, singing, walking, jogging, table tennis, acting, charity shopping (obsession), being happy, and making the world a better place!
Describe yourself in three words
FULL OF BEANS
How would your friends describe you?
The wild card, crazy chick, chirpy, happy-chappy, and a very kind-hearted person. Oh, and most definitely indecisive and disorganised.
Why did you decide to take part in the series?
It sounded like something extraordinary... When I watched the last series, the Amish just blew me away on how they accepted simplicity. They also weren't blinkered by trappings of modern world (therefore NO pressure) I wanted to strip back to basics and take time to be satisfied and be comfortable with myself, without being pressured into being what people would expect me to be. I wanted to break away from my fast becoming obsessional behaviour (clothes, make-up and the way I look) which is exhausting and very boring.
What did you know about the Amish culture before you agreed to take part?
Not a great deal, but I found myself connecting with the people through the TV, due to them being so honest, respectful and having so much love for their life and community. I obviously noticed the simplicity and them wanting to be separate from worldly things.
What did you most enjoy about the experience?
Bonding with the Amish people, and feeling like I belonged with them in their close-knit communities. I also loved the fact that they cared for each other so much and never really put themselves first. It was so refreshing to see that popularity was nothing to do with appearance; it was just all about the person you are inside - unlike our society where popularity is based on the amount of alcohol you can consume, how much sex you have, how successful you can be in life, and how beautiful you look.
What did you least enjoy?
Nothing, I LOVED BEING WITH THE AMISH. Although, I suppose watching the chicken fighting for its last burst of life was pretty tough. But, I still managed to eat chicken soup straight after, and it was delicious!
Were you surprised with the Amish people you met?
I thought they would be suspicious of us, but they embraced us, like we were one of the family.
Would you join the Amish community full time?
YES YES YES! But, only if my parents could tag along too! Love everything about the Amish, and the way they live their life!
If you could sum up what you learnt about the Amish way of life, what would it be?
They Live for God, and make life as beautiful as possible for all.
What did you miss most when you were living the simple life?
To begin with I did find myself worrying about how I would look without my make-up, but this soon passed as I really settled into the Amish way of life.
What did you miss least?
Feeling pressured by our society and how it seems to sculpt you into looking a certain way to be noticed and accepted.
Have you made any changes to your own life after meeting the Amish?
I seem to find myself valuing life more and what it holds for me in the future. I am more satisfied with who I am and don't feel I have to mould into looking a certain way to be accepted. I make more of an effort with people, and get to know them instead of judging on appearance. I find myself wearing less flaunting fashion, and I don't always think about dressing to impress the guys. I have great aspirations of working with communities to bring people together. I also find myself praying to someone when I need guidance in what I should do (maybe God). I am still questioning whether I want to carry on the journey of becoming a Christian, because I was so touched by the Amish and how they have changed me for the better!
Find out who else spent time Living with the Amish
Watch video interviews with the boys and girls
View the Living with the Amish picture gallery
Learn more about life in Amish communities
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