Since I was young I have traveled somewhere new; Paris, London, Brussels, and San Francisco are among many other cities that have impacted how I see the world. Two things I strongly value in my life are family and travel, and to be able to see the world with my family has been one of the most rewarding and humbling experiences of my life. It is an amazing to experience a new place and a different culture with the people that have made my house a home, the people that I know everything about, yet still learn from every single day. Travel has always been a huge part of my life and I can only hope that I can continue my excursions in the future either with my family right by my side, or on my own, learning through each new experience I encounter.
I believe that the wise Dr. Seuss said it best when he stated, “Oh, the places you’ll go” which when you really stop and think about it, it’s so true. We are all going somewhere, whether it be across the globe or to the new coffee shop down the street, new adventures and experiences are everywhere, just waiting to be discovered. My experience with travel has been nothing but pleasurable and I have gained something valuable from every place that I have been.
My trip to Europe started in the city of love, Paris, where I learned that as cheesy as it is, life is a climb but the view is GREAT. I traveled 1,710 steps to the top of the Eiffel tower to the see the beautiful city below, and it was worth every single one of those rigorous steps. Since being in college I have had to climb, and not just to the third floor of Merion Hall. I have had my fair share of obstacles from schoolwork to being away from the friends I have known my whole life, but have had to keep on going. I know that I am in control of my life and that if I keep aiming high and keep taking the next step each and every day I will reach my happiness, just like I did looking out at that breathtaking view in Paris. In short, work hard and keep pushing on, because one day you will realize that you are living the kind of life you used to be jealous of, everything is worth something.
One of my most recent trips was to San Francisco and Hawaii. Starting in San Fran where Alcatraz Island and pier 39 were on our touristy agenda, we flew over to the most beautiful place I’ve ever been to, Maui, Hawaii. Here, watching the sun rise and set was the highlight of each and every day, because though there is so much to do, taking in my surroundings seemed to be the most gratifying. While in Maui I learned that it’s the little things in life. Sometimes we all get caught up in our own lives, of what’s next or who said what. Sometimes we all just need that reminder to slow down, take a deep breath, and really cherish everything around us. Believe me, when I cram for an accounting test I don’t smile and think of sunsets in Maui, debits and credits are the only thing on my mind. But, I’ve started to realize that even when I’m stressed to the max, a quick text from my suite-mate about how she’s doodling all over her math book in class, or a random snap chat my brother sends me of my mom really just makes my day, because it puts a smile on my face. It’s the little things that matter.
Traveling has helped open my eyes and learn who I really am as a person. Being out of my element is both frightening and exciting but it pushes me to truly experience another place and not be so stuck in my ways. I know that every person has their own story, but so does every place. The history that makes up an area is so important, but so is finding your own history, discovering for yourself what makes that area so special. Traveling has brought myself the opportunity to simply enjoy, relax, and learn all at the same time. This is one thing I would not change for the world, well, unless of course I was traveling the whole world.
