This is a manifesto for every Bowdoin student. An articulation of the powerful lessons learned during my recent 179 days of solo travel. It is a challenge to each one of you to not just tune into your true authentic voice, but to actually listen to it. It is a call to action to make a choice—to choose happiness. I could write about my travels for days, but this piece isn’t about me. This is about you. This is my attempt to capture the essence of the inspiring people I was so fortunate to cross paths with along my journey. These people helped instill in me a thirst for adventure, a belief in myself, a broadened worldview, a “why not?” attitude and a heightened faith in humanity. They helped me take my first steps on a long path towards mastering the art of living and experience sustained pure happiness. I returned to North America a different person, and I want to share the invaluable wisdom people so generously imparted upon me with all of you.
On June 20, 2015, I set off for Stockholm with a borrowed backpack, two confirmed World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) hosts and a last-minute internship with a UK-based startup. My plans were barely plans. I learned to leave my hyper-organized self behind and reluctantly adopted a new mindset, one built on a deep trust that everything will work out. And as I learned on countless occasions, it always does. Lesson #1: Everything happens for a reason. My trip gradually evolved into a full-blown lap around the world, which was something my first year self never would have done. I visited 13 countries, WWOOFed with five hosts (Sweden, Belgium, France, Italy), ventured in the world of CouchSurfing, got scuba certified, completed a life-changing Vipassana meditation course in Cambodia, visited family and an old Bowdoin roommate and did two remote internships and one HelpX stint.
Lesson #2: Don’t resist challenges, embrace them. I set off with a budget of $5,000. I ended up doing it all for a total of $4,700. I set a low budget for the sake of my own finances, but also to prove all the people who think travel is an unattainable fantasy wrong. Having a crazy low budget challenged me to become ultra-savvy. There was no room for mistakes. Hotels and expensive cabs weren’t an option. Pay-to-volunteer programs weren’t an option. Sleeping on strangers’ couches, letting the lowest priced ticket dictate my route and volunteering in exchange for room and board were my options. Every day was a new adventure. My budget was not a hindrance, but rather the reason why I ended up having all of these incredibly impactful and enlightening experiences.
Lesson #3: Fear nothing but fear itself. Solo travel is the most empowering, nerve-wracking, adrenaline-pumping, strength-building experience anyone can commit to. You have to be a little naïve and at least a tiny bit crazy to do it. Those fortunate enough to explore the world alone, with one pair of jeans and a backpack, discover just how liberating it is and how freeing it is to be in a place where nobody knows you.
Lesson #4: Commit yourself to leading a life that inspires you. I met too many people in their late 20s-40s who wished they had traveled while they were younger. They wished it hadn’t taken them up to ten years to finally leave their misery-inducing jobs. They had regrets. So, I am writing this on behalf of my fellow travelers and amazing WWOOF and CouchSurfing hosts who left their jobs, started their own businesses, moved to self-sustaining farming lifestyles or learned to work remotely. I pass their message on to all of you to make choices that bring you fulfillment. Follow passions. Meet people. Be open. Do the things that scare you. Push yourself to the edge of your comfort zone because that is where life begins. Continuously check in with your authentic voice and follow it; if you are not happy, create the energy and agency to change it. It’s not a risk when you have nothing to lose.
Lesson #5: Live BIG! I challenge you to live each day with purpose and compassion. If you lead a life with wholesome intention, happiness will effortlessly follow. You are educated and smart. Just think about the great positive power Bowdoin students can manifest in the world if we all learn to master the art of living. Imagine. This is just the beginning of what my adventure taught me. I want you to know that a big, gigantic, wonderful world exists beyond Bowdoin. It is begging you to explore it. I hope you answer its call. Emma Chow is a member of the class of 2015.
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