I've always been someone who has stayed focused. I am known for working too many hours, having a great GPA, and saving money. However, I needed something more than the President's list and a nice check. I needed an adventure.

My best friend's middle name is Adventure. Her spirit has taken her many places, so I was not surprised when she wanted to move across the United States. She landed a bomb internship and was headed West. We had mentioned me tagging along for the road trip. Did I mention it was 27 hours? Which we did in three days. Anyways, I was hesitant. I would have to purchase a plane ticket to come home, pay for some meals, and so forth.

Wednesday night I spent the night with my best friend. We were attempting our farewells till October, but I just could not yet. We ended up talking till 2 a.m. and somehow started looking at plane tickets for me.

Thursday morning, I woke up with the whole YOLO motto going on. I made the most expensive purchase of my life -- $358 for a plane ticket from Denver to Atlanta. I think I closed my eyes when I hit the submit button. Oops! This did not include my luggage.

Friday morning, I was jumping into my best friend's car with my suit case to travel the country. We stopped in Nashville and ate lunch. We were back on the road, afterwards. We went through Kentucky while singing, "My Ole Kentucky Home." Then through a small portion of Illinois. We finally made our stop for the night in St. Louis, Missouri.

I was able to see Nashville for the first time, revisit Kentucky and reminisce on so many memories from National FFA Conventions, get a glimpse of Illinois, and visit the St. Louis Arch for the first time.

Day two. Some of you might know, but St. Louis is on the far east side of the state. We had to go through all of Missouri (It's a lot bigger than you think) and then through Kansas. Did I mention Kansas has innovations in agriculture that I had never seen before in person? They have huge windmills that generate energy. Hence, they have a lot of wind. I know why they call it tornado alley. We called it a night in Hayes, Kansas.

Day three. We got an early start because we still had a lot of ground to cover. We were needing this to be the last day of traveling. We made it to Colorado -- finally. Yes, we took the glorious picture of us at the state line, as well as every other state sign along the way.

Anyways, I traveled. I spent hundreds of dollars, but I took an opportunity that was well worth the cash. I was able to see Nashville, the home of country music. I was able to see the beautiful country side of Kentucky. I was able to travel in the town where the National FFA was established. I was about to see the Rocky Mountains (which included a moose, elk, and the cutest chipmunks). These are all opportunities I wouldn't have had by saving money. More importantly, I wouldn't have had time I had with my best friend. Those are memories I will always cherish. This being my first summer home, and her first summer gone, my heart aches a little letting her go, but I can't wait to see how her journey unfolds.

Though it might hurt to press the submit button on the plane ticket -- do it! You truly only live once. Save your money and travel this summer. Try the off-brand, grab a kids meal, turn in all your lose change. Do whatever it takes to get outside the corners of your home state.

P.S. I can now tell you all, the money was worth it. I would totally do it again.