What inspired you to travel abroad?
I was having trouble succeeding at my engineering school during my first semester. They said, “Hey, if you're having trouble you can leave at anytime while you're still in good standing and we will welcome you back with open arms—we stand by those we have admitted.” I thought about it and said, “Hmm, okay!” I then went to my local community college to learn how to succeed in college without so much on the line; I improved and did better that next semester but it didn't feel like it was time to go back to engineering school yet. Something was in the air...so I looked into gap year programs.
River near my apartment at sunset
Why did you choose InnerPathWorks?
I was working with a consultant to make a string of programs that would span a year. This one piqued my interest and I was encouraged to call and talk to Randy and his former students before making a decision. When I talked to Randy there was something so electrifying and exciting I just couldn't wait to get there and learn; I felt that this man really had something to teach and share with me.
What was your favorite part about Idaho?
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho is absolutely beautiful. I was living in an apartment during this time and everyday during the summer and fall I was there it seemed like so many people were outside all the time enjoying the outdoors in the ways they liked best. The city itself is very picturesque in the downtown area—lots of lovely shops and businesses, great parks, a library, a stunning lake, free buses, biking trails, etc. I can only say it's something you'll want to see for yourself.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
The people, places, adventures, and discoveries.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
They show support by allowing you the space to chose how you spend your external time and the freedom to make and learn from mistakes. They trust that you will understand and figure things out as you need and assist with a subtle push when necessary.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I wish I had spent a little more time there and dug that much deeper.
The bike!
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
Awaken! I could maybe watch the sunrise, then hurry to make and eat breakfast before rushing out the door half-awake with my housemate. The drive was about 7-14 minutes and then we arrived with either a few minutes to spare or a few minutes late, running across the atrium's bridge to a waiting and knowing Coyote. Then we'd have a gratitude ceremony or game of sorts to start the day.
After that, it all depended on what Randy's students needed at the time to learn best; sometimes we'd do some class, work things, or play a board game. Other times we'd hop in Randy's truck, go for a ride along the lake, and go to a camp or woods where we'd play games and build things. Sometimes we'd go into town and shenanigans would follow, and other times we'd be given a mission of sorts to fulfill for that day. It really depends on you and your fellow students—he's got lots of things up his sleeve.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
I watched some TV through online streaming services, and played a few games, but that was largely forgettable. What was unforgettable was finding treasure in my apartment’s dumpster—a few different cool things here and there, but the crown jewel was this little girl’s bike I found. Now, I'm a boy so I found it comical that I was able to ride this little pink and white bike around the neighborhood. But man, I loved that bike. We'd go ride down to the river waving to the people out and about, or cruise the apartment complex's hills. Often we'd go to this little BMX course that a local business so graciously let be built on a parcel of their unused land. I would ride the rail trail, explore construction sites, and towards the end as the snow started to come I even added chains to the tires in an attempt to get better traction.
Another thing I liked to do was cook. I would buy lots of ingredients at this awesome local store called Winco, which is employee-run, and like a combination of Costco and a grocery store with no membership fees and great prices. I'd experiment in the kitchen, trying and creating whatever my heart desired as I'd usually be the only one eating the food I was free to create as I pleased. Let me just say what you chose to do with your time could be wildly different than what I chose—it is what you make it, after all.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I stayed in an apartment, and I liked that I had a nice, safe place to sleep, my own bathroom, a full kitchen, and a living room to hangout in. What I liked best though was the location—there were other apartments nearby, a river with seasonal swimming, and a rail trail. Plus, right next door was the local ice rink, so it was cool to see games there or skate around.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
Randy is a coyote teacher. Show up, participate, do your best, and empty your cup.
Magic awaits (seriously, this photo isn't edited!)
Would you recommend InnerPathWorks to others? Why?
YES!! If you're thinking about this program and it calls to you or you have a gut feeling, that's all you need—GO. Otherwise, Randy is a great, experienced teacher. He himself doesn't know every skill, but he excels at helping you find and discover what really gets you excited, and at connecting you to teachers and mentors who do know those skills and can help you learn. Working with Randy you'll discover new paths and possibilities you didn't even know existed. I'd recommend keeping an open mind and deciding for yourself if some bit of knowledge is useful and worth keeping.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
The biggest benefits are what you will learn, how you will grow, and the adventures you will have both today and tomorrow.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
Immensely! I wouldn't be who I am today if it wasn't for the time I spent with Randy. It has led me to the next stage of learning and growing.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means to connect to a place in some small way and have a positive effect on those around you, so that without your traveling, things wouldn't be quite the same, be it you or the place.