Life After College

When I was a small child, I had a very clear life plan: I was going to college and then straight to veterinary school. I was also going to live in my parents basement for the rest of my life. Ah, the dreams of children. As I got a little older, the dream became less rigid -- I considered law school or other graduate programs; however, I was still convinced that I would continue with graduate school immediately after finishing my undergraduate education.

Then reality actually happens. Upon graduation from the University of Washington I found myself working in not one, but two of the most cliche post-college industries -- the service industry and manual labor. Possibly the worst part of this was that I obtained both jobs AFTER receiving the Bonderman Fellowship. I could have left months ago, but for some reason I didn't. I don't regret my time working as a gallop girl at the race track or working at the bar. I think that both jobs, like many of my prior experiences, have helped me prepare to complete this crazy wanderjahr. At the very least, I can ride pretty much any horse you throw at me, speak some dirty racetrack Spanglish, and have a better appreciation for bourbon.

Now I am heading out into world with the perhaps child-like intention of going directly to graduate school upon my return. We'll see about that. Thank you David Bonderman and the University of Washington Honors Program for this incredible opportunity to travel the world and to grow in new and unexpected ways.

I am leaving Seattle on Tuesday, February 27th and heading to San Francisco for a few days to visit friends and family. I will be arriving in Quito, Ecuador on March 1st. Check back then for the real beginnings of the journey.