When people use the phrase "it's a small world," you may tend to think of the famous Disney attraction or maybe.... just how small the world really is! Growing up as a traveling baby, I have been exposed to a various number of cultures, lands, and experiences that I could never fully describe to anyone I meet.
Traveling and even exploring outside of your comfort zone can help you gain so much in life. I was (and still kind of am) a shy quiet girl, who is the picky eater, clings close to loved ones and waits to seek instruction from authority. Traveling has broke me out of my shell and for the better. I am now still somewhat quiet, but have friends all over the world, I have grown to try various cultural foods (not just my usual Chicken strips and Fries) I am learning how to be independent and travel on my own (being alone in public is okay, trust me) and of course taking risks and going on adventures you have only dreamt of and make them a reality.
While on our trip I feel like my family's biggest struggle was not being fluent in other languages. 95% of the staff and guests at our resort spoke Spanish and very little English. This barrier has made me want to learn way more than I already do, and indulge into a culture and learn everything I can. My race is African American, but I know my family has a mix of many races, and while being in the DR, people thought we were Dominican! They were seriously shocked when we could not get past a sentence in Spanish. This was one of the many things I wish I would have taken up when I was younger so I can communicate with people from all over. About one in four Americans can hold a conversation in a second language, which cant compare to other countries knowing multiple launges along with their native language.
This fall I will be studying abroad to London, something I have always dreamed about!
One night at dinner while at the resort we sat behind a family, and their baby was so precious I couldn't take my eyes off of him. They were speaking Spanish fluently so I figured they wouldn't know English just like majority of the people we had met on the trip, when the son ran over to me we realized the family not only spoke English, but was from London. I was so excited my face lit up, and we conversed for hours with the family. Later finding out they are from the same town where my uni is located we became closer. It is insane how you can meet someone from the other side of the world and connect and bond so much.
This is my favorite thing about traveling, making connections (probably while I am a journalism major) but the feeling and memories you create with these people live with you forever. It is an amazing unique bond that ties you together for life.
If you have traveled a million times or have never left your home state, I advise you to do so, it can be life changing and can change yourself for the better, I know it has for me!
