I live in Virginia and go to college in Southwest Virginia. While where I live is nice, I must admit that I get bored of seeing the same scenery everyday. I've traveled around the United States many times, visiting east coast to west coast, or just traveling up and down the eastern boarder, but sometimes I find myself craving more.

I was born in Florida and I lived there for about 10 years. To me, the beach is one of the most beautiful places one can go to, but what about the other beaches around the world?

My mother's family is a very avid group of explorers, and that is a trait that I've certainly gained. One very special trip I've taken was with my boyfriend and his parents. We went to the Virgin Islands together, and those beaches were some of the most glorious I have ever seen before in my life. The water was so clear that you could see any sea life that passed by you. At one beach, Trunk Bay Beach, I was snorkeling and a stingray passed right by me!

I thought that it was so cool that I started screeching through my breathing tube! Then, about 10 minutes later, that same stingray passed me again on his way back from where he swam off to. This is not something I would have experienced in my grandma's pool in Florida. It was something that I had to go off in the world to see.

We shouldn't be afraid to experience the unknown, because that is how something becomes known to us. What is a tradition for you, wasn't always a tradition, it had to start somewhere.

I'm very excited because I will soon be continuing my travels throughout the world, as I will be visiting my Aunt and Uncle who live in Germany. I've never been to Europe before, but I worked two jobs all summer long and saved and saved in order to go on this trip.

I strongly believe that it is important for everyone to see the world. There are so many beautiful things out there to see and do. Most importantly, there is so much to learn. Do not be afraid, see the world if you can.