Tag: NextGen Genealogy Network

Faces of NextGen: Meet Lisa Medina

Lisa Medina, 34, California

What five words would you use to describe yourself?

Caring, Intellectual,Pragmatic, Passionate and Introverted

Why genealogy?

I have harbored a strong affection for history since childhood, fascinated by vivid images, stories and figures of the past. When I discovered genealogy and the ways my ancestors related to the larger narrative of history, I was hooked. Also, I love research!

 What’s the coolest discovery you’ve made?

There have been many, but what first comes to mind is the discovery that my grandfather and my husband’s aunt lived in the same small town in northern California at the same time. My husband and his family are from Guadalajara, Mexico, I grew up in Maine and my grandfather was from Oklahoma, so this was a very unexpected coincidence.

 What are you working on this week?

I have picked up my research into the early life of one of my maternal great grandfathers, who was adopted and about whom little is known. I have been in communication with my mother’s cousin, who is the son of the eldest of my great-grandfather’s sons, and who is helping to guide my research by answering questions and confirming several discoveries based on oral histories.

 What’s the number one secret to your success in genealogy?

Commitment to well-organized research. By remaining committed to the scope of my research projects and digging into the details, with as much structure in my research plan as possible, I am able to document my search and findings easily – and the details for narratives are available!

 What superpower would you want to help you uncover your family history?

 The ability to see into the past, of course! Also, full access to the Family History Library 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What are we most likely to find you doing when you’re not researching family history?

 Spending time with my 5-month old and husband at Balboa Park or the zoo – two of our favorite family outings. When I’m not with my family (and also not researching), I am often swimming at my local YMCA.

Lisa can be found online at www.medinagenie.weebly.com

 


The NextGen Genealogy Network is made up of young genealogists with diverse backgrounds, interests, and experiences. Faces of NextGen showcases a different member of our community each month. If you would like to be considered for an upcoming feature, simply complete our questionnaire and submit a selfie.

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Faces of NextGen LIVE! Meet Michael D Lacopo

The NextGen Genealogy Network’s Faces of NextGen LIVE! is a popular feature hosted by Education Coordinator Eric Wells. In this recorded interview, get to know Michael D Lacopo!

Want to say hello to your fellow young genealogists during a fun and informal interview with Eric? Let us know at [email protected].

Don’t forget to bookmark our YouTube Channel to keep up with the latest on Faces of NextGen LIVE!

 

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Faces of NextGen: Meet Amber Oldenburg

Amber Oldenburg, 39, Indiana

What five words would you use to describe yourself? The five words I would use to describe myself are; patient, enterprising, blessed, methodical, and motivated. 

 Why genealogy? Genealogy was an accident for me. My original intention at BYU-Idaho was to study towards becoming a park ranger, choosing Family History as a minor. I was immediately hooked on the subject. Very quickly I shifted my focus towards a degree in Family History with the goal of becoming a professional genealogist. Since my initial introduction to the subject, I have spent an inordinate amount of time researching and learning the ins and outs of the field. I feel truly blessed to have discovered my passion, one in which I very much hope to make a career.

 What are you working on this week? As classes do not resume until September (thank goodness), I’ve chosen to use this time to study in preparation for ICAPGen accreditation, occasionally stepping away to conduct research on the Thompson branch of my family tree.

 What’s the number one secret to your success in genealogy? I would have to say the number one secret to my success has been persistence in the face of some quite daunting challenges. Whether it’s running into a metaphorical brick wall while conducting research, or attempting to make heads or tails of difficult scripts, I keep moving forward until I achieve what I set out to do.

 What superpower would you want to help you uncover your family history? Undoubtedly, I’d have to go with time travel. To be able to personally speak with my ancestors, and to hear their story from their lips would be the absolute greatest gift I could receive.

 What are we most likely to find you doing when you’re not researching family history? When I am not working on researching family history, I can be found devouring every genealogy book available, or attending genealogy seminars and conferences. Aside from genealogy, I adore spending time with my wonderful husband and two brilliant daughters, very often camping or road tripping throughout the U.S.


The NextGen Genealogy Network is made up of young genealogists with diverse backgrounds, interests, and experiences. Faces of NextGen showcases a different member of our community each month. If you would like to be considered for an upcoming feature, simply complete our questionnaire and submit a selfie.

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Faces of NextGen LIVE! Meet Sara Cochran

The NextGen Genealogy Network’s Faces of NextGen LIVE! is a popular feature hosted by Education Coordinator Eric Wells. In this recorded interview, get to know Sara Cochran, The Skeleton Whisperer!

Want to say hello to your fellow young genealogists during a fun and informal interview with Eric? Let us know at [email protected].

Don’t forget to bookmark our YouTube Channel to keep up with the latest on Faces of NextGen LIVE!

 

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