Outgoing and Transparent, Justin Lakes

The world around us often shapes us into who we are in the years to come. We are often influenced by family, friends, and experiences we are exposed to, and sometimes we are shaped as individuals based on health conditions as well. Justin Lakes is known by many throughout Jackson County as a well-rounded, all-around nice guy. But, what we see on the outside is only what meets the eye.

For the first part of Justin’s life, he was raised in Annville on Highway 290. While he felt like much of his life was comfortable for the most part, it wasn’t until later years he realized that his dad, who worked out of town, sacrificed quite a bit to make it that way. Being an outgoing young man, he always found it quite easy to strike up a conversation with just about anyone. So much so that his mother would feel the need to shew him away to let others go on with their business. Lakes didn’t find himself in strict punishment much while in school. He claimed he always did just enough so that things never got too serious.

Just before starting middle school, Justin made a discovery that would change his life forever. He found out he had siblings. For the first part of his life, Justin grew up thinking he was an only child. He first found himself a bit angry that he had spent so much time alone, but that turned around quickly as he eagerly began to want to meet his newly found family. Today, he has an outstanding relationship with his brother and sister, and can not imagine life without them.

Learning about siblings is not the only speed bump in the progression of his adolescence. After a scare that landed him in the hospital, Justin was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. Throughout the rest of his school career, and into adulthood, Lakes would suffer through something that he felt all alone with. But today, he knows that he is not alone. After fighting the battles of his mind for several years, Justin found a way to cope with his anxiety. With the help of a program developed by Charles Linden that would change his life for the better. While he does not look down upon those who use anxiety medications to cope with their anxiety, Justin highly recommends that you look into this program called The Linden Method as a way of coping with the war within your mind.

Justin Lakes can be considered today as quite an asset to our community. While earning his living helping to keep Jackson County’s telephones and internet in tip-top shape while being employed by PRTC, he always works behind the scenes at local sporting events as they strive to bring local coverage into our homes. If you would like to hear more about Justin, his life, and his experience with The Linden Method, please download and listen to his episode of the Appalachian Imagination Podcast. Available on all streaming platforms. Stay awesome Appalachia!