Every week I write a column called BE YOU for one of the local papers (The Times of Acadiana) – I have decided to start putting them on here (and I will gradually catch up with all the past participants too). Each week someone different answers the questionnaire – the paper often has to edit them, here are all the answers: This week is Kim Neustrom:

Kim Neustrom

Kim is the marketing director for KRVS and an über volunteer for the worlds best world music festival – Festival International (If you see her around town smile and say thank you). Kim is one of those people who is naturally warm, diplomatic and motivating, she has an accepting nature that makes her easy to approach and talk to. She spends her time both giving back and paying forward (yes, she is very easy to like).

What was your first job?
Running teleprompter for KLFY’s Passe Patout.

Describe a typical day in your life.
I’m an early riser, savor a good cup of coffee, workout, reading, music, KRVS marketing  duties and usually some sort of Festival International board or committee meeting.

What advice would you give the younger you?
Your parents really are right.

What event in your life most shaped who you are now?
Becoming a mother taught me about placing anothers needs above mine. This also prepared me for a commitment to non-profits and human service agencies.

What values do you live by?
The values of giving back to our respective communities through volunteerism. Whether it’s serving on a non profit board of directors like Festival International, being a Big Brother/Big Sister or helping build a Habitat House—arts, human and social service agencies are important and rely on volunteers.

What do you most appreciate?
True kindness and selflessness.

What is your favorite journey?
The big love journey of Motherhood.

Where is your favorite place to be alone?
Driving alone, music blaring on an open LA. Highway.

What living figure most inspires you?
My parental Duo, Mike and Cecilia Neustrom.

What was the best advice you were ever given?
Always settle for more.

What book would you tell everyone to read?
The Essential Rumi

What is the best thing about where you live?
Warm, welcoming souls.

How do you “let the good times roll” ?
As Festival International board president, live music factors into my good times.

What did u want to be when you grew up?
A broadway actress.

What is your motto?
Spend more of life in the soulful times.

How would you like to be remembered?
I would like to be remembered as a loving Mom, as well as someone who realized our lives and world are impacted by our daily actions towards others.

What do you say to yourself when you doubt yourself?
Each day is a succulent new beginning.

What three things are vital to BEing YOU?
Self-acceptance, Kindness to others and giving back through volunteerism.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Actually, I overuse the word “actually” way too often.

What is your favorite word?
Breathe…

What do you collect?
Dust. I’ve never been known as a good housekeeper.

What food could you live on for a month?
Chips and salsa.

What would you change about yourself?
Having less fear about the unknowns in life.

What literary, movie or cartoon character do you most identify with?
Scout Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird. Curious and often idealistic.

Describe yourself in five words.
Striving 2 contribute in big ways.

What is your idea of happiness?
Being surrounded by people who are happy with themselves. And basking in the sunshine.

What is your favorite movie?
Hard to narrow down, but The Sound of Music brings back fond childhood memories of wanting my momma to sew me a dress made out of drapes.

What music defines who you are?
Currently “chill wave”, which is a modern term for all the music I listened to in the mid 80’s!

What do you most regret?
Wasted time. But I spend little time focused on my regrets.

What question do you wish I’d asked?
Favorite holiday?

What would the answer be?
Thanksgiving- family, turkey and appreciation all wrapped up in one.