I grew up in a small town where most people never left. At twenty-five I quit my job cashed in savings and spent six months backpacking through Southeast Asia. That trip changed my entire life. I met people from all over the world. I learned that Americans are not the center of the universe. I learned that I was stronger than I thought. I was capable of navigating unfamiliar places handling discomfort and adapting. I learned that kindness is universal. Everywhere I went people helped and shared with me. I learned that most people want similar things: to be safe to love and be loved to do meaningful work to belong. Travel taught me humility resilience empathy and wonder.
Travel as Transformation
