Activism & Travel

Making a difference and enjoying yourself don't have to be at odds.

Recently, in light of the current state of political and global affairs, I have begun finding a new clarity and power to my voice as a student of social change, an activist, a woman, and a human being.

For most of this election season, I have basically been trying to hide and keep my head stuck in the sand. I voted, of course, but tried to keep most of the other garbage from reaching my ears. Now, however, there is a new urgency that has moved me beyond the ability to remain in this space any longer and I have started getting involved in the various marches and gatherings that have started to pop up.

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow mindedness.”

– Mark Twain

In doing so, I have to say, I have found an antidote of sorts to the feelings of complete horror, depression, and sadness I have been experiencing from watching the news. Gathering together with so many other people who are supporting the values and positive things I believe in has made me realize there is still hope and love in the world. Also, being part of something so large (one of the marches had thousands of people in attendance) has allowed me to reconnect with a sense of community that has empowered me in a significant way.

As a result, I encourage every single person to start creating a relationship of their own with their voice and the community of action available to them. Not only does this support the movement in protecting our rights and resisting those who threaten them, but it also provides a spiritual and mental fulfillment that gives you a goddamn break from all of this depressing shit happening lately…and that is one of the most important things you can do for yourself right about now haha

Women’s March

One thing I have come to realize on this journey, travel can be one of the ways you work to expand your worldview through meeting all kinds of different people and learning about the ways they see the world. Another, is that, no matter where you are, you can make a difference and be part of something important.

With the Women’s March coming up, I had been wanting to attend, however I found myself in Monterey, California for my biannual school conference. At first I thought I would need to venture up to San Fran to take part, but after talking to a few people, I found out there was one taking place just 10 minutes away.

A quick lift and I was there and, DAMN, it was incredible. No one else could come with me, they all had seminars and such, but I didn’t let that stop me and I headed out on my own to represent for Saybrook and us all. I was so proud of myself for going because this was outside of my community and one of the first larger demonstrations I had gone to. But, it didn’t matter that I wasn’t part of my own community, I still ended up feeling connected to all of these people.

There ended up being thousands of people there and the march was incredible. The signs! The creativity, people read poetry and played music and we chanted and walked in the streets. It was amazing, and proved to me that I can get involved and participate meaningfully no matter where I am.

Protest @ Sea Tac Airport

This was an amazing event that I actually ended up in by accident. I was flying home from California and when I landed my dad, who was there to pick me up, said he was in the middle of a protest!

When I was able to make it to the baggage area and find my dad we both joined in and stayed for the next hour or more chanting and marching and supporting movement. It was amazing to so spontaneously join in and to share that experience with my dad who, afterwards, told me how inspired he felt too as a result of that experience. It was such a show of power and people, it has just kept empowering me to continue!

Join the Movement. We're Marching. We're Mobilizing. We are Making Herstory.

This is truly the space this blog is committed to creating in the world. A space where we, as travel lovers and human beings, can reflect on the world we are so in love with experiencing. Where we can find beauty in all kinds of experiences and dare to let them impact us, teaching us new things about ourselves and the cultures in which we live.

Happy Educated Travels!

♥️