There’s a moment in life when everything shifts—when you step outside of your comfort zone and realize just how much the world has to offer. That was my moment, and it changed everything. This is the story of how a simple spark turned into an unshakeable love for adventure, new experiences, and saying yes to the world.
I didn’t know a single moment could change my life—until I flew over the Atlantic Ocean for the first time and truly felt how vast the world is. I remember looking down at a school track and realizing just how small it was. At that moment, I knew I didn’t want to run laps around my small town forever.
Growing up, I was fortunate to travel with my family, but it wasn’t until I crossed the ocean at 16 that I realized, deep down, how much travel would become a part of who I am. I grew up in a town where sports were everything and the rest of the world felt far away, but with every new experience, I discovered how big, diverse, and inspiring life could be. This is the story of how I fell in love with the world I never knew was waiting for me.
My first trip across the Atlantic was to one of my favorite countries for many reasons—Portugal. Have you ever had a moment where you just knew you were exactly where you were meant to be? For me, that was Cascais, Portugal, in 2019. It was my first big trip with only a friend, and I was eager to test out my new scuba certification over the course of two weeks.
A younger version of me would have been nervous about sharks or something going wrong, but instead, something just clicked. I was ready for whatever was to come. It felt as if I had woken up from a long nap, suddenly knowing exactly who I wanted to be and how I wanted to live my life. I fell in love—with the people, the food, the culture, the adventure. I realized I needed more of it, and from that moment on, I never wanted to stop experiencing the world.
So many places have shaped me into who I am today. Portugal will always be the place that ignited my love for travel, but it was only the beginning. Every destination I’ve visited has taught me something meaningful. Not every place has been my favorite, but every experience has left a lesson or a memory worth keeping.
Thailand was the adventure that pushed my limits more than any other trip. Not only was I studying at a challenging school, but I was also the only American in my classes—and the only blonde girl. I had to find new ways to connect with people, relying on scuba diving and shared experiences to bridge the gap. It was one of the hardest yet most rewarding experiences of my life.
I remember traveling to Croatia alone for the first time, unsure of where I was going and with very little money, but craving the thrill of exploring a new country. I took the leap and ended up falling in love with the culture, meeting people along the way who I ended up following to the next city. A similar thing happened in Indonesia, where I met up with a friend at a hostel and found myself surrounded by an incredible group of travelers on Nusa Penida. We rented motorbikes, explored by day, and spent our evenings at dinner, swapping stories and reflecting on our experiences. No matter where we were from, we all learned from one another, sharing pieces of our journeys.
If I had never taken that trip in 2019, I honestly don’t know where my life would be today. Maybe I wouldn’t have moved to Florida to study at my dream college. Maybe I wouldn’t have chosen an off-the-beaten-path study abroad program or taken risks that shaped me into who I am now. Travel taught me to embrace the unknown, to thrive on the excitement of new experiences, and to cherish the connections I make along the way. It made me curious—not just about places, but about people. I’ve learned to engage more deeply, to ask better questions, and to wonder why certain people cross my path and what I can learn from them.
All of these experiences have only fueled my desire to see more of the world. I may have moved far from home, but a part of me never wants to stay in one place for too long—I crave growth, adventure, and the endless lessons that travel brings. Maybe that will change as I get older, but for now, this is who I am.
I’m starting this blog because I have a passion for exploring the world, sharing my stories, and hopefully inspiring others to take their own journeys. I may just be a girl from a small town, but I’m also a girl who left everything she knew to chase her dreams. A girl who stepped outside the ordinary and into a life of adventure. It’s not always easy, but in my eyes, it’s the best way to learn—about life and about yourself.
So, welcome to my blog, where I’ll share how I fell in love with this world and why I continue to love it more with every step I take. I’m so glad you’re here, and I hope you’ll join me on this journey.