"A lot of people, when they hear my name, they kinda get shocked that I've grown up so much," Shasta Groene told CBS affiliate KREM TV in Spokane."But I use my name and what I've been through to help people."
Duncan snatched 9-year-old Dylan Groene and Shasta from their home after killing their older brother, mother and mother's fiance. Duncan traveled to a remote Montana campsite for several weeks before killing Dylan and returning with Dylan's sister to Coeur d'Alene.
Shasta Groene has grown up. She's now 15 -- and well beyond her years. But she hasn't forgotten what happened to her seven years ago.
"I mean it's something that is in the back of my mind every day. I've thought about it every day, but it's something that helps me stay strong every day ...because not a lot of people have survived what I have been through." (Watch video of the Report >>>)
Shasta had primarily stayed out of the limelight until recently. It's been years since she's spoken about the incident.
Her father says she's a typical teen girl.
"She's probably like every other 15-year-old girl, so that kinda keeps me on my toes, but she just does all the normal stuff that any other 15-year-old would be doing."
Shasta was recently at a motorcycle ride to benefit a local animal shelter.
"I just try to help out as much as i can. I mean, whenever someone asks me to I will."
While she hasn't forgotten what happened to her, she doesn't want it to be the story that defines her. "I'm not a scared little girl that I was back when I was 8. I have grown up a lot and I'm really strong today."
Shasta is a junior in high school and says someday she might want to be a forensic scientist, a beautician, or possibly a therapist. Whatever career she chooses, she wants to help people.
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