Living with the Amish

Siana

Character Profiles

Siana

Thursday 24 November 2011

Siana, 19, is a Cambridge undergraduate who lives in London.

What are your hobbies?

Photography, blogging, radio-DJing

Describe yourself in three words

'Full of beans!'

How would your friends describe you?

Eccentric, energetic, loud!

Why did you decide to take part in the series?

At first, I just wanted to see if I would get chosen! Then when I did get the call, I decided I'd go through with it because I wanted to see how open-minded I really am. I wanted to challenge myself and meet people who were completely unlike myself!

What did you know about the Amish culture before you agreed to take part?

Very little - I thought they were faux. 1800ers, probably dull as dishwater and intensely religious. I stand corrected.

What did you most enjoy about the experience?

Meeting amazing people, leading quite an uncomplicated life, challenging my own views and digging deep inside myself.

What did you least enjoy?

The daily chores. I bloody hate washing dishes. I was also not keen on the plain clothing and covering up my hair. Oh, I didn't like the food much!

Were you surprised with the Amish people you met?

Very surprised. They were so welcoming and friendly. Some were more open-minded than I thought they would be. Some were more like me than I thought they would be too.

Would you join the Amish community full time?

Never ever ever. I'd visit some of the life-long friends I made though.

If you could sum up what you learnt about the Amish way of life, what would it be?

You get a lot of satisfaction from putting others first. Also, it isn't so hard to lead a less complicated life. We can all do it if we make a few small changes.

What did you miss most when you were living the simple life?

I didn't really know what was going on in the world! I felt really cut off.

What did you miss least?

My mobile phone and my very full diary!

Have you made any changes to your own life after meeting the Amish?

I'm listening more and (hopefully) talking less. Also it's very important to put those you love first.


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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