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As I start this blog, I find myself questioning who I am and what I have to offer. Since 2017, after returning from my first immersive experience in Spain, I’ve felt like I’ve been living two lives. There’s my life in the U.S.—filled with cozy family reunions, familiar social outings, and the responsibilities of adulthood. Then, there’s my travel life, where I feel like a different person, ready to let go and explore endless possibilities. That transformative moment hits as soon as I board the plane, knowing I’m leaving behind my job, friends, and family for a while, and embracing the thrill of the unknown. It’s this excitement that drives my passion for travel.

Last year, I made a bold move—I quit my full-time teaching job to seek a new path. I felt stuck, spending all my time in a job that didn’t fulfill me. My decision worried my parents and friends, who questioned what I’d do next and whether I was giving up a stable career. But I needed time to pursue creative passions and explore teaching outside the classroom. So, I set off on a two-month journey, exploring life transitions and discovering new perspectives.

Returning to the U.S. has been a challenging adjustment. After spending weeks in other countries, it’s disorienting to come back and try to fit into life at home. I’m still questioning who I am and what my role is here. I have stories and lessons to share, but starting feels daunting.

Blogging has been a long-time dream of mine. I’ve blogged before—during my time in Colombia with the Peace Corps and even in college. Those earlier efforts felt easier, guided by clear experiences. Now, with ample time but also a fear of putting myself out there, I’m finally ready to share.

During my recent travels in Asia and Europe, I documented my observations, questions, and learnings. From sleeping in the Thai mountains with the Karen Hill tribe (with my mom by my side) to playing with local Cambodian children while volunteering on a remote island, these experiences taught me so much about myself. I’m eager to share these stories and what I’ve learned, both from the people I met and from the places I visited. I also want to explore how I’m navigating life back home after these transformative experiences.

So, here I go, diving into this new chapter of blogging. I consider this past year my ‘exploration stage,’ but really, I’ve been in this phase my whole life. I’m great at jumping into new adventures, but staying committed to them has always been a challenge. This year, I’m determined to hold myself accountable and pursue my dreams.

In a world filled with division and judgment, I hope to foster human connections, bridge cultural gaps, and inspire others to travel with an open mind. I aim to challenge preconceptions and encourage exploration as a mindset.

Interviews will play a significant role in my blog because connecting with others and learning from their stories makes me feel less alone in my own journey. I’m excited to share incredible stories of travelers who, like me, use exploration to bridge gaps and connect with the world and themselves. I’ll also be interviewing people who live ordinary lives in cultures different from mine—because there’s always something valuable to learn from them.

“Exploration is curiosity put into action” – Don Walsh