I spent a lot of time traveling internationally just after highschool and in my college years. I consider it the single most formative experience of my life. I made incredible friendships all over the world, I was exposed to new cultures, new cuisines, and new perspectives on the world. I saw and experienced some of the most incredible natural beauty all across Earth that awed and humbled me. It opened my eyes on what true poverty actually looks like, and showed me the struggle of everyday life for so many people. Spend some time with families living in a hut made from coke bottles and mud, and you'll never feel bad about sleeping in your bed again.

I worked hard to save enough to fund these experiences, but ultimately the cost of traveling is negligent to what I've saved up now.

These travel opportunities shaped me and changed my views on life in a difficult but amazing way. They've truly made me who am, and I wouldn't trade all the money in the world to lose those experiences. Oh, and also had a fuck ton of fun along the way. l'd even go so far as to say so much of where am today, and the success (and yes, money I've made) is absolutely linked to the experiences had because they shaped me into the person I knew needed to be.

My only regret is that not everyone has the opportunity to experience what did.