This is a response article to "Stop Staying In One Place and Start Exploring."

I agree with the author 100% about traveling more and and exploring what the world has to offer in life. Like the author, I do know people in my small hometown who had no desire to move out whatsoever and also still hang out with the same group of friends, which I don't have an issue with. But I do not imagine myself staying in the same place for the rest of my life and seeing the same people. I'm not meant for that type of life.

Before moving to Southern Maryland at the age of nine, I used to live in San Diego and Chula Vista, California. Both were diverse places where I met many kids from different backgrounds as a kid myself. Before moving to California, I lived in Southern Maryland briefly for two years. And before that (I know haha), I lived in Japan for the first three years of my life, which I sadly don't remember. After moving to Southern Maryland at the age of nine, I've been here ever since.

It's okay living in my hometown, however, I don't want to stay here forever as long as I live. I attended the rest of elementary, middle, and high school years as well as my college years here. My workplace isn't located here but near DC. I work 100% remotely at home to save money since everything is expensive nowadays.

Even though I still live in my hometown, I had the privilege to travel to other places in Maryland, other states, and as well as other countries. I traveled around DC, Northern Virginia, New York New Jersey, Nevada, Florida, California, Ohio, Mississippi, and Pennsylvania in the US. Outside of the US, I traveled to London, Japan, Canada (briefly on a cruise), and Bermuda (also on a cruise). By traveling to other places, I developed a more open mindset of the world and learned more about different cultures.

I like the author mentioned, life is too short. Right now, I do plan to move out hopefully within the next year closer to DC and also planning to travel to Milwaukee, Wisconsin for my national pageant and also some vacation time to explore the area while visiting my long time college friend there. Lastly, I do plan to travel more (thanks Tik Tok) around the world hopefully, especially to the Philippines where my family is from.

If you ever get the chance to travel to your favorite place, please do it! The world is huge and there is so much to explore and meet new people. I've met new people by getting involved in activities and events and traveling. You will never know who you would meet or see. You will develop a more open mind set and have a different perspective on life. In my opinion, you won't grown enough if you stay in one place for the rest of your life. Travel. Even if it's just temporary. It will be worth it and you won't regret it. You can take back your money, but not your time and experiences.