From Hawaii to Boone: A Journey From Islands to Inland Mountains

From Islands to Inland Mountains by Nat Combs

Growing up in Hawaii, Carol Moretz took advantage of every available class while she was in high school. At the time, some classes were only for boys, different from the ones for girls. However, Carol was able to take every class she wanted, and began to take trade courses as the only girl, prompting other girls to take initiative and try these “shop” classes as well. 

“You could wash a towel or sew at home. ‘Why am I going to do that at school?’” said Carol. “I wanted something else so I could learn more.” 

In Moretz's Hawaiian culture the community comes together for the good of all. Her “aunties,” weren’t always related by blood, but they offered advice and meaningful life lessons, one of which encouraged her to do what would make her the happiest. 

“I learned another language in high school, since I was adopted by my family,” said Carol. “I had to learn to adapt and speak different languages.”

While most students drove to high school, she walked to get where she wanted to go and didn’t drive until she was in her 30s. Eventually, she grew tired of relying on someone else to take her where she wanted to go, so she contacted a driving instructor.

“I finally drove wherever I wanted, whenever I wanted,” said Carol. 

Carol enlisted in the Air Force during her last year of high school with the intention of getting a change of scenery and getting to be in the air.

“Only boys got to be on the plane, they were the only ones who could be a pilot,” said Carol. “I had to work a desk job, but that was also complicated because I had to deal with all the bad news.”

After having spent time in the Air Force and moving across the globe, she settled down in Boone. Her time in the Air Force has brought her a greater appreciation of different customs and languages. While her husband served in Vietnam, she took care of her kids, became a volunteer at her church, and made her own clothes. She raised three children, planted an extensive garden, and had many pets. 

“Learn everything you can,” advises Carol. “Learn everything you want to know and don't let anyone stop you.”