The Genetics of It
My interview with Amanda Singleton :
If you’re like me, you are fascinated with genetics and what our DNA says about us. Many of us are obsessed with personality testing, astrology, ancestry, or anything that tells us more about ourselves, explains something about who we are, or justifies our behaviors. Who we are becomes a mantra in our daily activities and functions. Like it or not, our genetics plays a critical role in everything from eye color to mannerisms. Even our perspectives about life can be linked to our genetic makeup. We like to think we are the best of both of our parents. I became fascinated with ancestry prior to diving into the obsession of genetics, but they are not necessarily mutually exclusive. I look a lot like my paternal grandmother, however, do not have her disposition about most things. My grandmother taught me how to read at an early age. I can still remember sitting next to her laughing at the comics while she read the front page of the newspaper. This is a fond memory, and a reminder of the closeness we shared while reading together.
When I was in my early twenties, I felt like no one in my family understood me and I must be adopted. It was the only explanation I could come up with at the time. One day I shared this almost belief with a neighbor friend of my fathers. When I explained to her that I must be adopted because I didn’t seem to be like anyone in my family, she laughed so hard she almost wet her pants. She said, “honey, I can tell you right now you are way too much like your father to be adopted. When you walk across my front yard, that is your father’s swagger head to toe.” I stood in disbelief. My goodness, I walk like my father? I was confused; is that a compliment or should I be disappointed?
My conversation with Amanda Singleton is both entertaining and informative. She explains what it means to be a genetics counselor. Also, if possible, why it is important to have a general understanding of our genetics. For those who are adopted this can be a challenge unless you find biological family members willing to talk with you. She concludes with several areas of fascination. I hope you enjoy it. I found it to be very interesting and a thought provoking conversation.