A new chapter

Me in New York City, circa 2004.

From a young age, my parents instilled in me the joy of travel. They made countless sacrifices so that I could seize every opportunity to see the world. Whether it was my solo trip to Northern Ireland in the fourth grade, my high school French exchange, or my college semester abroad in Italy, they supported and encouraged me to explore new cultures and embrace diverse experiences. Their unwavering belief in the transformative power of travel has shaped me into the global citizen I am today, and for that I am eternally grateful.

For years, my travels had been primarily focused on exploring the world outside the United States, especially Europe. However, during the COVID pandemic, I was forced to re-direct my wanderlust to destinations within U.S. borders. Through camping in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, eating my weight in cheese curds in Milwaukee, and visiting family in rural Kentucky, I began to recognize the beauty and value of exploring my own country.

I had always been amazed by the fact that my mom had been to all 50 states. When she was six years old, her family drove from Maryland to Alaska and back in their Thunderbird, with a camper trailer in tow. Inspired by my mom’s objectively awesome fun fact, I set a goal to visit all 50 states before I turned 30.

For a multitude of reasons, the timing was right. I quit my job in New York City and decided to launch 7Strategy so that I could have the flexibility to embark on a cross-country road trip. At the end of my travels in July, I will have visited 43 / 50 states.

It's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of professional success and overlook the value of personal fulfillment. But by setting ambitious personal goals, we open ourselves up to new possibilities, expand our horizons, and create a more balanced and meaningful life.

I’m excited to share stories from my travels through this blog, both as a way for me to personally reflect and show gratitude, but also to (hopefully) inspire others to pursue and prioritize their own personal goals.

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