At the beginning of 2009 – I had my heart on applying to Graduate School for Journalism. My background being photography, I wanted to add something to my credentials – not leave it behind. So I figured, I would just apply and go off for a bike ride around China for 6 months. Here I am, nearly 2 months into planning this journey and I find myself pushing the lift off date back BUT lengthening my trip indefinitely.
Graduate School will always be there- and well, being an American living in China, learning the language and customs…I have to take advantage of this.
Many people are surpised when I tell them the only country out of America I have ever been is China. “Not even Europe?!” is the typical response. No, not even France or the UK.
About 4 months after graduating college (in the winter) I was in a full time, “real person” job. Salary and a 401k and all of that. Yes, so my friends were leaving me behind to go travel wherever, however. I was really, really envious – and then getting to hear of their travels upon their return…only made me feel like I was missing out on something that everyone did in their early twenties.
Here I am, age is irrelevant – but let’s just say late 20’s, and I am so glad I put it off. It’s not that I had much of a choice, but I this trip is going to matter, it’s going to say something…it’s something so much greater than going to Graduate School for 12 months.