INDIA

You know those places where you step off the plane and instantly are immersed into a culture unlike your own? India is one of the most exotic and best places I have ever been; the people there know what it means to have a grateful heart and a positive mindset. Like my other service trips, India consisted of meeting people with different backgrounds, listening to their stories, and loving on all the people I encountered. My team of 19 taught in an orphanage called Grace Home, where I was tasked to create a curriculum for high schoolers for a week. Needless to say, traveling halfway around the world (literally, it is the farthest place you can get to from the place I call home, San Diego) was worth driving down the streets and seeing the vibrant colors, getting to try all the spicy food one might dream of, but most importantly being able to understand a culture so unlike my own. As cliche as it sounds, when I think about India, I think about the word thankful. The people there are thankful for their circumstances even if they are living in poverty, grateful for what they have, and filled with an overflowing and endless amount of love. So India, I just might have to make the 30-plus hour trek back to you.

LONDON

I will be honest with you, I have always wanted to be in royalty so you could understand my excitement when my family ended up in London. Although none of the royal family is close to my age, therefore a disadvantage to my door to royalty, I got to experience the life of the royal family by tours of their houses. Also my dream of even getting to meet the royal family was crushed when I left with no causal run-ins with my soon to be family. Any who, London was strange to me. I felt like I was in a historic part of the United States, not a different country. We saw the London eye, road in taxis that were pink, and saw all the churches that all the royal people were married in, while eating at every pub known to man. London has endless amount of things to do, and sites to see. it was truly amazing to hear the british story on the American Revolution but more recently to hear them talk about our President Trump, which seemed to be the only thing they wanted to talk to us about. Back to the royal family. Ever since I was young, Princess Diana has been a huge inspiration to me. Not only did her fashion and beauty rock the world of her time, but her ability to make people feel welcome and her servant heart is truly a remarkable trait that should be recognized and appreciated by all. Needless to say, I got to see a museum of her numerous outfits she had worn. Not only was I stunned by the fashion icon’s sense of style, but I was taken back by the rebellious nature of her clothes, something that I too try to illuminate in my sense of fashion. Starting new trends, breaking the mold, and having fun creating outfits that will make a statement when you walk through the doors of an event.

PARIS

Paris is one of my favorite places in the world. I might be biased because I am learning French and had a French foreign exchange student, but oh well. There is something amazing about having some type of bread food every morning, and drinking coffee almost everywhere you go. It is romantic, sophisticated, and simply put: magical. The history frankly comes alive when you look at the museums, and the intricate designs of the buildings. Seeing the eiffel tower light up night after night is a site to see and the beauty that radiates from district to district in Paris is nothing short of lovely. As you all know, fashion is a huge part in my life and Paris is where the fashion world comes together. AKA shopping was one of the most fun experiences I have ever had. The latest trends in every store window, the most chic outfits worn by all who walked around, and the most fabulous stores ranging from high end to adorable local boutiques all in one city. Paris, I will most definitely be seeing you soon and of course smelling your sweet aroma of croissants.

NORWAY

If you haven’t figured it out by now I’m Norwegian. Yes, the blonde hair and tan skin might have given it away (LOL). For years now my Grammy has been wanting to get my mom’s side of the family on a Norwegian cruise to explore the Norwegian coasts. As a 17 year old at the time I was not that thrilled because as you might know, there is just a little over 5 million people in the entire country, that’s it. Although annoyed and disappointed at first, I would not trade seeing Norway for anything. We saw the most beautiful glaciers, mountains, and waters all the while exploring the cities that my ancestors lived. It was magical and definitely one of the most beautiful countries I have been to. I left Norway realizing that I am so busy all the time, that I need to take a breath from time to time and look at my surroundings and take it all in. They aren’t kidding when they say life is so fast, so don’t get lost looking at the wrong thing. Look at the magic of the world and the beauty it holds.

AMSTERDAM

Talk about a party town. I have never seen so many young, not to mention hip and fashionable people than when I was in Amsterdam. Full of life, Amsterdam was unique in the people it attracted. I was amazed to see a crowd of young people ranging from 20-30 everywhere I looked. With history embedded in its buildings and architecture that is unbelievable, Amsterdam was filled with water ways that led to every hotel, restaurant, and bar. I have to say that Amsterdam had the most character out of any city I have ever seen. Not because it is a big tourist attraction, but there were people everyone on their own time trying to get to their next destination. Oh I almost forgot, everyone bikes. And when I say everyone I mean everyone from 3 year olds to 83 year olds.

UGANDA

When I was in first grade, I heard someone speak about Africa. I saw their eyes light up when they talked about how all the kids had this joy that you couldn’t help but smile when you are with them. 12 years later, I ended up in Uganda, Africa a dream of mine since the beginning. I will give you a little secret, the people in Uganda are exactly how that person 12 years ago said they were, full of unconditional love, energy that surpasses anything I have ever seen, and an infectious positive attitude. Everyday we embarked on a journey to Nation Changers Christian School and played games with the kids and did labor jobs for the school while the kids were learning. Life has a funny way of doing things, and as weird as it sounds, Uganda is where I realized what true love really is. Yes, to you true love might mean the couple who has been married for 50 plus years, or maybe even that person who you just can't help but smile and feel butterflies in your stomach when you're around. For me, I learned that true love is not some myth in the millions of romcoms I have watched over the years, or the dramatic love stories that all girls fantasize over, but true love is how we act. The Ugandan people treated each other with love and care, each one looking out for the other. They encouraged, supported, and was physically there for each other when they couldn’t handle life on its own. So give a hug, share a smile, genuinely be an active listener because love is not just a word thrown around, it is something that has to be acted on, just like the kids do in Uganda every day.

FIJI

My freshman year of high school, I applied to go on my first service trip to Uganda, Africa. I got on that team and we were all set to go until a month before the trip. There were some safety concerns. With that said, the trip was pulled, and an alternate trip to Fiji was put into place. I know what you are thinking: "FIJI, that is no mission trip but merely a vacation." Little did you know that Fiji is actually a developing country. In addition to the tropical rainforests and beautiful crystal blue water, there are millions of kids walking on the streets without shoes, looking for things to eat. I taught at De Lana Primary School, where I was with first through sixth graders. Teaching English was difficult, but also very fulfilling to see how much the kids wanted to learn a language so unlike their own. Fiji, although not planned and very unexpected, changed my perspective on life altogether. Fiji planted a seed in me to serve the world through such trips. To help those in need and to bring joy to all the lives I encounter. Fiji will always remain a very special place in my heart because it inspired a dream to work in non-profits.