How old are you, what grade are you in, and where do you go to school?
I’m 16 years old and currently a junior at Carver Center for the Arts and Technology.
What TFT trips have you been on?
My first trip with TFT was last year. I did the Scandinavian Adventure, so I got to see Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. It has always been my dream since I was young to go to Norway, so I’m forever grateful that TFT gave me this opportunity!
Which countries have you been to?
Even though I have only been on one TFT trip, my family still loves to travel. I have been to Iceland, England, Italy, France, Scotland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Mexico.
What do you travel for?
Ever since I was young, I had an urge to travel. I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to travel in their lifetime. Being able to see another country and immerse yourself in the culture is an experience you can’t learn in a classroom or anywhere else. Experiencing other cultures helps us to see the world from a new perspective and have more appreciation for different ways of life.
What are three fun facts about you?
Three fun facts about me are:
1) I go to a performing arts high school for dance and I’ve been dancing since I was three years old.
2) When I’m older I want to be an American ambassador. I love traveling and politics, so the job combines the two well.
3) I have three cats and a dog. Their names are Buddy, Blake, Athena, and Elsa.
Favorite place and why?
My favorite place I’ve been to is Bergen, Norway. It’s this beautiful town right on the water and there are colorful rows of houses. You can walk right along the water and just relax and take in the beauty. There is also a market with lots of food and fresh fish where I even got to try Skillingsboller, a traditional Norwegian dish. I would love to live there one day, all the locals were kind and welcoming too!
What’s the most touristy thing you’ve done that is definitely worth doing again?
The most touristy thing I’ve done is go to the Eiffel Tower, but it’s a must-see! If you ever visit Paris, you have to see the Eiffel Tower because it is a popular site. To be able to go to the top and see all of Paris was mesmerizing and I would do it again in a heartbeat!
Give some advice to a first-time TFTer.
My advice for first time TFTers is don’t be nervous, I promise it will be great. On my trip when I first got to the airport and saw all these people I didn’t know I was definitely nervous. Thoughts were running through my head like, “What if I don’t make any friends and I’m alone the whole trip?” I was worrying for nothing. It can be scary at first, but once everyone started talking and getting to know each other, it was fun. I made lots of friends and wasn’t alone at all, you just have to break the ice. My other advice is try everything you can. Take in every experience and when given an opportunity, go for it! Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone!
From your experience, what is the country with the friendliest people?
All of Scandinavia has the nicest people. All the locals were always friendly and very nice to talk to. The locals were all willing and excited to have conversations and answered any questions I had. This helped open me to the culture because I could talk to them and ask questions about the town and such.
What is the biggest lesson travel has taught you?
Traveling just in general can make you a little less ignorant. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to appreciate other cultures and their traditions. You have to stay open-minded and see from their point of view. This opens your mind and makes you understand the world better!