About Anna Dee Olson

Anna Dee Olson was born and raised by Midwestern Amish parents. Throughout her formative years, Anna felt that life was meant to be difficult, with very few day to day pleasures. The rigid restrictions of her culture became harder and harder to follow as Anna reached her teen years. The desires in her heart were leading her away from her family, community, and culture. Anna knew she would have to face huge challenges if she followed her desires. For years Anna struggled with what to do, but at 24 years of age she finally made her first life changing decision based solely on her own wishes.

Anna was forced to choose between her family and the lifestyle she dreamed of living. Even though adapting to the new way of life (outside the sheltered world in which the Amish live) was a challenge, Anna kept her focus on her dream of peace at heart and serving others. After many trials and obstacles, and learning from her many mistakes Anna finally came to understand that her past did not define who she was but it did prepared her to become the strong person she is today.

Less than a year after leaving the Amish lifestyle behind, Anna passed the test to get her High School Equivalency diploma. Fall of 1993 Anna’s dream of going to college became reality. In 1995 Anna graduated for the first time, and in 2005 Anna graduated with an Associate of Applied Science Degree. During the past 16 years Anna has been involved in Student Senate, Relay for Life, Madhatters Drama club, Women of Today organization, and Toastmasters International.

Today Anna’s motto is: “True forgiveness is a choice we all have.” Anna is a successful published Author and Public Speaker. Anna strongly believes in helping people through volunteering, sharing her experiences, and educating the world on the subject of the secretive Amish culture.