No matter the age the concept of traveling the world is an astounding thought to people. This big world we live in seems so out of reach, but in actuality, each destination is nothing but a plane ticket away. An expensive plane ticket, but nevertheless just a plane ticket.

I myself am a wanderlust 18-year-old who has been lucky enough to have experienced people in eight other countries, 10 other states and one island in the Caribbean sea. I've lived abroad for a year and attended an out of state school my first year of college. The thirst for adventure and change is real. I have dreams of seeing as much of this planet as possible before it's too late and I can only hope I will have the opportunities to do so.

Now don't get me wrong, I think school is important. But I can't help thinking of the other places I could be exploring while sitting in classes taking notes on concepts that have yet to come together. Sure they might be influential in the "long run" as they say, but what about those lessons that aren't in the curriculum guide? or remain unplanned in the syllabus? There are sights to see that cell phones will never do justice. Cultures to experience that textbooks don't describe as vividly as being there in the flesh, and people that will never make it on the pages of our assigned readings because their charm would simply be lost if their words were published.

I truly believe the only way to become a deeply well-rounded person is by stepping outside each of our comfort zones to experience a new life as much as possible. The adventure from home has the ability to open our mind and grow understanding for people that live differently than we do. This sense of openness is crucial for positive growth in society, which surely couldn't hurt anyone in this day and age.

Trips are often overlooked due to cost. Understandable seeing that even a one-way ticket could put a dent in even the thickest of wallets. But if anyone is able to save up, as cliche as it is, the memories gained from the experience will far surpass the importance of the money.

I see Irish fields in my dreams, taste St. Maarten's food on my tongue, smell Sweden's air and hear the chaotic voices of London's subways daily. I've learned to not take life so seriously (still working on that) and to take mental pictures of the little things. I now have connections outside of home that I would have never had before.

Traveling isn't all about where you stay or where you went, but what was taken from the trip. The experience holds lessons worth learning. There's a big world out there and it's up to us to explore it!