When I was in high school, I remember watching The Beach with Leonardo DiCaprio and Brokedown Palace with Claire Danes. It was truly those movies that mesmerized me, especially The Beach. I remember thinking Thailand seemed so far away and that I would never visit such as place. It was only something in movies that I could daydream about while living in rural Illinois as a high school student. I would never see water that clear and blue. One teacher that inspired me to always think creatively and dream a little bigger was Ms. Toth my creative writing teacher. We explored forms of reflection that helped me to think more about my future and that I could move more broadly into the world.

When I entered college in 2000, I was inspired and challenged to think about the world, yet didn’t have the financial means to travel. It wasn’t until my graduate education that I was able to study abroad in Kenya, Africa and the travel bug had bitten me so-to-speak. Kenya remains one of my most favorite countries int he world and I think about that trip a lot.

After almost 20 years, I was able to visit Thailand last April 2025 with my partner, Nick. While I didn’t visit the beach from the movie, I now am on a journey with Semester at Sea that will take me to locations just as beautiful as that gorgeous location.

It has been a little over a week on the ship. I have been through training, orientation, and connecting with new colleagues. I have eaten ginger chews, been lulled to sleep by the rocking of the ship, struggled to sleep for over 4 days. I have taught yoga at sunrise on the aft and bow of the ship, revealing a deep gratitude inside of me. I could never imagined this in my wildest dreams as that teenager watching 90s movies of far off places that seemed out of reach. I am reflective of the paths that I have chosen and those that have lifted me up along with the balance of those that have tried to keep me down. And they all provide motivation to be a better me. A better global citizen and role model for others.

For the past 4 days, we have been located in Porto, Portugal. We are about to embark to the next port of call in Tangier Morroco, another dream country of mine. We are leaving the port later today but I am reflecting on the openness, the emergence of adventure and the deep relationships I have cultivated over my time here in Portugal and on the ship. I am excited to have experienced the Peneda-Geres National Park and connected with the land and mountains, I have sailed on the Duoro River and smelled the salty air of the ocean, I have dipped my toes in the sand, and trenched through cobbled streets. I have interacted with locals and dined with new friends from the US and abroad. I hope that I have reciprocated a love for the history and culture of Portugal. I am left with abundance and knowledge. What a gift, even navigating the challenges as they arise. I have accidentally traversed into Spain and back, relaxed by a waterfall, searched the city of Porto with my students who haven’t yet entered college yet and learned from their fresh eyes. I have shared port wine with folks from around the globe and reflected on what it means to be a parent, educator, and learner. Thank you Portugal for leaving a lasting impact. It is now a part of my journey.