I was a total “Daddy’s Girl”! Unfortunately, my beloved father passed away at age 61 from colon cancer – way too young! I was lucky to spend a good bit of time talking with him before he passed and one thing that he told me was to NOT make the same mistakes he made concerning travel. He worked for Southern Bell/BellSouth his entire career and the plan was that he and my mother would work hard, save money, raise me and my older sister, and then travel after retirement – a very common plan back in the day. But it did not work out that way….and there were many dream trips for my parents that never happened. So, like a good daughter, I took my father’s words to heart. I traveled! A lot! Even at a young age when I really didn’t have the money to do so. I even chose a career in the travel industry so that I would have more opportunities to explore the world. And…I have raised my own children to have that passion as well. I am surprised by the parents who are scared to “let” their students experience a Study Abroad opportunity, or keep their children close to home because they are afraid of foreign cultures. Here are my thoughts on why it is vitally important for young people to “think outside the box” – especially in today’s challenging economy:
1. At 22 or 23, you have your whole life ahead of you to work, marry, buy a house and have children – and with today’s economy you’ll basically be working until you die! No more retiring at 65 and living off a nice fat pension! Why not take some time now and travel? Discover more about yourself and maybe become an even better “you”!
2. There are plenty of overseas jobs out there….just get on the internet and look! Many young Americans find jobs teaching English and make enough to support themselves…and they come back home with skills and experience that can only make them more valuable in the US job market when they return!
3. As a traveler, you will learn to talk with people and make friends quickly – both great skills to have! The ability to form an instant rapport with someone you’ve never met will help you in both your professional and personal life.
4. If you can handle navigating foreign countries and talking to people you don’t share a language with, you can do anything! Figuring things out without any support system around you turns you into anindependent problem solver – a fantastic skillset that many employers are looking for!
5. Foreign travel opens the mind and heart in ways that most young people can’t even imagine! Just to be able to see how real people live, play and work in other cultures can change a life forever – and who doesn’t think our world would be a better place if we all understood each other a little bit better?
So, let’s loosen up a little on our kids…I have a rule for both my children that they MUST study abroad at least one semester during their college experience. Logan followed-through last year by participating in a Study Abroad program with one of his Political Science professors from University of Georgia and Kendall is already looking ahead with excitement to choose her opportunity. Travel gives them a better appreciation for what they have, a better understanding of why they may not even need those things, and focuses their priorities on enjoying life before “real” life actually kicks in. Don’t ignore my father’s wise words and let your kids spend their lives dreaming of doing something cool…Let them go out into the world…Explore, Learn and Grow!
Comments are closed.