What inspired you to work for Trek Epic?
I was in on the beginning as we wanted to create an opportunity for emerging young adults that was transformational, international, and sponsored or scholarship-ed.
Among the rocks!
Describe a typical day at work.
We travel overseas with small cohorts of up to eight participants and create a self-reflective dynamic where participants can explore more of who they are and what their futures hold for them! These are 10-day walking adventures, and our 60-day Gap Year program!
Why do you do what you do?
I help others set the stage to live within their purpose! This is essentially a true mentor-like role in people's lives that draws on my experience as an educational consultant, always scanning the horizon with and for people to assist them in taking their next steps in life with positive forward momentum.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Walking day-by-day while on trek and getting to know our trekkers as they explore their futures and take the opportunity to just get out there in the world!
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
I have an expertise in consulting and mentoring adolescents and emerging adults as well as experience in working with individual learning styles and the wide array of educational and career options available to students.
Walking in Wales
What challenges do you often face and how do you overcome them?
Keeping the treks on track and juggling all the little things that could go wrong at any given time is a primary focus. If we keep the little things lined out, the bigger challenges are always surmountable!
What are some current projects you are working on?
Next step! We have been leading our 10-day trek model since 2011, and are now excited to offer a full 60-day gap year program version in the Fall of 2019.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
Just go! Get on that airplane and land with eyes wide open and ready to take it all in, from new places and new people, to a new future. We get right into our trek experience, one foot in front of the other.
What makes Trek Epic special?
We have developed naturally or organically over the last several years into a community of people who share similar values and who are focused on the idea that by knowing oneself can lead to better interaction with the world around us, and thus give us greater meaning in our lives.
Why should someone choose Trek Epic over competitors?
Trek Epic is all about a balance between self-reflection and adventure. The energy of being in a safe space to grow and contribute to the growth of others is central to our trekking experience. We are just out there on a walk so to speak, no need for extremes—we live the walks between trekking and pilgrimage, each on their own journey!
What hopes do you have for the future of Trek Epic?
That we continue to offer opportunities for people to be a part of Trek Epic in numerous ways, from initial treks all the way to being guides themselves.
What makes your organization easy to market to potential participants?
Our strongest referral base are former participants. Our alums never miss a beat on recommending someone to walk with us! It can't be more rewarding than that, really.
On trek with coffee
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
While on the trek, we support our trekkers in the process of adventure, reflection, and self-discovery. They are able to have time to think about their talents and gifts, and explore how to apply them to their personal, educational, and professional goals.
How do you help support participants?
We sponsor or scholarship our trekkers for the 10-day adventures and keep the costs low for our 60-day Gap Year program! Participants are responsible for their airfare and personal spending money.
If you could participate on one of your organization's programs, where would you go and what would you do?
Oh, well, I personally set it all up! So, that means I keep returning to the Pembrokeshire Coast of Wales in the United Kingdom. This is the British walking holiday at it's best...and an actual pilgrimage as well.
What questions do participants often ask you, and how do you typically respond?
“How much farther?” I try to give just enough information to keep everyone's anxieties down, but not enough that the surprises do not come as the path unfolds in front of us!
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
We are of the world...might as well get to truly know it as best and fully as possible. Each step out beyond from whence we come gives us the opportunity to know "the other" and in turn ourselves!
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
That can be taken in so many different ways. We don't all have to fully learn other languages, but to experience "the other" in terms of language and culture certainly expands our understanding of both the similarities and differences in our humanity.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
Call me...we'll make a plan! That's my role. I'd advise you find the people and resources that are going to contribute to you getting out of your comfort zone, that help target what next step is going to be most rewarding for you, and then go for it!
I'm in the middle!
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Knowing your purpose and understanding your unique gifts and how you can offer them to the world around you. The more you apply who you are to the benefit of others, the more meaning you will experience for yourself.
What issues do you see in the world of international education that don’t line up with your values and expectations for mutually beneficial & educational relationships between providers/programs and the communities in which they are located within?
I find that wherever I go, there are always people who are intrigued about you personally, and about the place from which you have traveled, your home. Mi casa, es su casa. That said, there are times when you instinctively know that you just ought to leave certain places alone, or not interfere with the natural flow of the people or the place. Gaining a strong sense of self through understanding what you have to offer the world is a big step toward having this instinct and knowledge.
What does ethical global engagement mean to you?
A mindfulness that helps you respect boundaries between people and their cultures, whether local or on a larger scale. Knowing how to bridge the gaps that exist in the world, without contributing to the tipping points that can be destructive. The mind is a fragile thing, as is the world.
What hopes do you have for the future of international education?
That we strike the balance between our global citizenry (and the positive impact it has to offer us toward a better future for humanity) and the sensitivities around climate change.
