Australia and Adventure for the Soul!

Alicia Marie Start Date: Jun 22, 2017 - End Date: Oct 19, 2017
  • Australia

My Travel Story

by: Alicia Marie Start Date: Jun 22, 2017 - End Date: Oct 19, 2017
Hello strangers,
Welcome to my campaign! As you read on, you may find that I won't be such a stranger by the end (that's the idea at least). My name is Alicia. I'm 22 years old, newly graduated (got that bachelor's degree baby!), and am a native to a small town in northern Arizona. Regarding what I'm doing with life at the moment, that's where the desire for some adventure comes in.

I have always had a thirst for adventure. I graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in a degree focused on national security and international relations and minored in psychology and Middle Eastern studies. I took two years of the Arabic language as well and while I am not yet fluent (unfortunately), speak the language conversationally. It is probably apparent that my particular field of study has included some very heavy topics and any kind of work I would go on to do later would be of a more serious nature. You would be right! I have always wanted to do impactful work and to make changes in our vastly complex and ever-changing world. I still value those things, completely. Though as has gone by, I have learned to value a couple of other things along the way. I learned to value simplicity and the importance of not just learning but growing as well.

Because of this realization, I chose not to immediately go into a career. Instead, I am taking a bit of time to recharge, to travel, and I believe, to grow. Through the positive experiences and testimonies of close friends, connections I have, and opportunities that have arose, I made the decision to choose Australia as my first ever destination. I freely confess, I am an inexperienced traveler (yeah, small-town girl). I have never traveled abroad and wanted to be realistic when choosing a destination. I had always thought of Australia as a beautiful and wild place, ideal for any adventurer. It seems untamed but welcoming and after some thought, a good first backpacking experience. With Australia being as safe as it is and with no language barrier, I found it to be rather ideal for someone like me.

With that being said, I am planning quite an ambitious trip from the Mackay area to Adelaide. I am hoping travel by train down the coast, camp for much of the trip and in general, travel very inexpensively. Aside from just an amazing adventure, I plan to make my time in Australia more meaningful and more service-oriented than just another vacation. I am looking to partner with the Salvation Army and local churches over the course of my travels in order to volunteer and to really reach out to local populations. I am currently in the middle of corresponding with local churches on how to be of service. So far I am looking into volunteering at camps, working with children in any capacity, aiding in education, and any kind of manual labor asked of me. I am hoping to use what skills I possess and what knowledge I have attained over time to give to the people I will meet. Whether I can use any of my academic knowledge such as my knowledge of the Arabic language, my experience with working in food preparation and service, or even my experience with the teaching and care of children, all will be at the disposal of my hosts and collaborators. I want this adventure to be one for the soul! I would be immensely grateful for any support you would offer and in return, I would be happy to detail the adventures to come on my (so far) completely empty blog http://blog.musingsandmysteries.com/ I think it is the best way to give back to your generosity and include you in my travels, so if you do, please come along for the ride. Let’s chase that horizon together.
  • Australia

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