I have known for as long as I can remember that I wanted to travel the world and see what else is out there. I learned about all the amazing places that were out there and the wonders of the natural world that I could only see in pictures.

I know that pictures don’t do any place justice. I am a skiing fanatic and I have been out west to Colorado a few times with my family and friends. When I get to the top of a lift or finish my hike, I often sit down and just admire the mountains and scenery around me. It truly is astounding and I noticed that even when I tried to capture its beauty on camera it looked nothing like what I was seeing with my own eyes. Then I thought about how amazing the other side of the world would look if it already looks that great in pictures.

Over this coming summer, I have been given the opportunity to study abroad in Australia and New Zealand while doing research and learning about conservation efforts there. I am ecstatic and I have heard great things about both places. The wildlife is so different and the scenery is beautiful.

My dad has a job where he gets to travel often and he has seen so much of the world and what is out there. He’s the one that is encouraging me to go; and even after college to travel around before I settle down so that I can see more of where I want to be. I can learn about different cultures and everything about the area I would be in. I’m from Northern Virginia, and I’m still amazed by the cherry blossoms in DC every year. I love looking at the monuments and learning all the history behind them, and I want to be able to do that in other countries as well.

I really believe that even think if you’re a homebody, you should travel around and just see. You might be amazed with what you find and see while you’re out there. There is so much more out there than just what you see in pictures and on the Internet.