When I first visited the Dominican Republic in 2012, I went for two weeks and leaving honestly was the hardest part. I vowed to return, and for more than just a couple weeks. So naturally, I returned the following summer. After just four months abroad, I couldn’t see the world the same way, and in a strange sense, travel was my rite of passage into true adulthood.

1. Travel reminds you that difference is not simply “tolerable” but should be celebrated.

In my last article, I poke fun at the American mentality of patriotic pride. Living abroad shows us how truly beautiful and vibrate other cultures are. Dominican culture is rich and exciting in their hospitality, relationships and emphasis of taking a moment to take it all in. Dominicans were able to show me different aspects of humanity that I had simply forgotten in the rat race of American culture, and of course, that rice and beans go well with just about anything.

2. Travel reminds us that sometimes we just need to leave the past behind.

When I traveled to the DR, the culture was that men were 1. great at every sport ever, 2. drank a ton, and 3. had lots and lots of girlfriends. When I arrived I was 1. terrible at sports, 2. had a piña colada once and thought it was “meh” and 3. dated 2 girls for just a couple months each.

Dominican culture isn’t an “everyone gets a trophy” culture, and is actually quite the opposite. My nickname was “woman of the night” because they would tell me to my face what a terrible thing I was, but to them, it was just fact. I learned quickly that what was important wasn’t where I had been, but what I was doing in that moment. I embraced my crazy character and zany personality and showed the people who Jesse Gearhart was, and you know what? They loved me for it. I didn’t need to prove myself, but simply be myself.

3. Travel reminds us to always leave space in our suitcases (and our hearts)

If there is an award for under packing, I would take the cake every time. In fact, I even did the one thing that all mothers get gray hairs over: I didn’t pack enough underwear. To complicate matters, I ultimately couldn’t come back home with anything but memories.

While memories are certainly more valuable than any tangible object, I regret not being able to bring home certain physical memories of my time there. Especially the Taylor Swift photo I bought at a store in town and naturally convinced the clerk she was my model girlfriend (who then proceeded to give me a discounted price.)

It also makes me smile knowing that because I had to leave behind any extras I got there, that there is a person who currently owns my underwear and precious Tay Tay photo. Stay classy, my friend.

Heres to my fellow travelers, friends far and wide. I raise a glass to you all from the bottom, top and sides of my heart. See the world. Be the change. To quote two of my favorite travel bloggers: “Shut Up and Go!”