Why traveling during your college years is essential

Self-discovery is a major part of the human experience. Arguably, the vast majority of these revelations happen in your 20s. It is a period of growth, building relationships, and exploring identity. 

Throughout history, young adults have sought this fulfillment through seeing the world. While academics lay the foundation for knowledge, travel provides an education that no classroom can replicate. 

VTSU Castleton student Emma Ezzo is back on campus from her most recent travels to South Africa, where she spent her time engaging with wildlife and immersing herself in Nelson Mandela’s experience on Robben Island. Ezzo exudes warmth and a keen sense of adventure as she speaks. 

“I always knew I wanted to see the world … So, I just did it,” she said. 

Ezzo has certainly taken advantage of opportunities for unique ventures. She emphasized her value for experience over materialism. One of the rings adorning her fingers holds memories from Florence, Italy – a rare souvenir purchase. She stresses that a key part of budgeting while traveling is to prioritize funding toward “hostels and accommodation and then build around that.” 

While trinkets and postcards may be lost or forgotten, experiences that build character stand the test of time. 

Clearly, Ezzo’s well-rounded demeanor can partially be credited to her travels, or more specifically, the people she has met. Ezzo met an impactful woman named Rosalie while on a kayaking adventure in South America. She was an art teacher specializing in individuals with disabilities. 

“I really admired her calmness…I saw how she held herself and I really learned from that,” said Ezzo. 

Meeting new people is a big motivation for Ezzo’s adventures. In more recent travel, someone she crossed paths with shared their admiration for Ezzo’s own sense of calm. 

“It felt like a full circle moment,” she said. 

Jessica Emery is a fellow student who spent a semester in London and traversed through Europe. It was during her time there that Emery made strong connections. 

“It was life changing. There’s not a day that goes by where I don’t think about the time I was away and the friends that I made,” she said. 

Emery’s creativity shines through her, and her essence is elevated when talking about her passions and friends. 

“They really shifted my perspective on a lot of things,” Emery said. 

She credits obtaining a broader viewpoint of beauty that give her a newfound sense of confidence. Her time spent in art museums, cafés and beaches allowed for reflection and perspective. 

“I’m someone who really values art, but things are also so much more than what they look like,” said Emery, referring to her value of inward beauty. “The lack of judgment was eye-opening.”

Emery felt welcomed throughout her travels, especially in Amsterdam and the coast of France. It was on these trips that she was joined by fellow student VTSU Castleton student Reilly Tennis, who spent a semester abroad in Northern Ireland. 

“I never would’ve imagined I’d have seven-plus countries visited under my belt at only 21 years old,” Tennis said. 

Her main motivation was to gain a stronger sense of independence. In reflection, she has succeeded. 

“Although it seemed so scary, I met so many new people, grew as a person, gained independence, and learned so many new things about myself. I also realized that I’m not a huge Guinness fan,” she said.

One reason individuals do not take the leap to see the world is rooted in our brains: the fear of failure. Learning to accept that things can and will go wrong is not easy to accept but is an essential lesson that can be applied to all aspects of life. 

“It’s totally okay when things don’t go to plan; it’s part of the learning experience,” Ezzo said. 

Tennis agreed. 

“It wasn’t perfect all the time, but it’s an experience I would never trade for anything,” she said.

Another VTSU student is about to embark on his own venture to New Zealand. Tristan Thomas, a Wildlife and Forest Conservation major, has his intentions set on the region due to its biodiversity and abundance of endangered species. 

“I think it’s crucial to see the world. I’ve always wanted to,” Thomas said.

There are a couple of traits in common with all the individuals interviewed. For one, they all described their experiences of planning their travel as spontaneous and, “on a whim.” 

For Ezzo, her college plans completely changed in three hours; leaving behind a plan to play soccer at Plattsburgh with her sister to pursue National Outdoor Leadership School in Patagonia. The mental block of traveling on your own is only resolved by taking a leap. 

“Now, as a college student, is the perfect time, and there’s never going to be another time in your life where you have built-in breaks,” she said.  

If you are seeking self-discovery and adventure, what is stopping you? The world is waiting. 

“You’re very unlikely to regret it in the long run. Part of life is taking risks,” Thomas said.