Fully Connected

My trip begins with 16 hours of travel, airport mazes, a serious lack of sleep, and a whirlwind of emotions—part awe, part anxiety. I am called off the plane by name, like I’ve done something wrong, only to be met by Bernardo, my godsend of an escort, who navigates the Rio airport like a pro. No clue why I was given an escort, but grateful nevertheless. It’s my first international trip in nearly five years, and it shows. The trip starts off feeling overwhelming, disorienting, and exhilarating all at once. It’s the beginning of a long-awaited adventure to Antarctica and South America—one I have envisioned for years.

This trip holds profound meaning for me. What began as a dream of reaching the end of the Earth has become a milestone of personal growth and independence. As part of a global leadership program for women in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine), I’ll spend ten days exploring Antarctica and reflecting on our planet’s fragility. From there, I’ll embark on a solo journey through South America, welcoming both thrill and challenges.

What lies ahead is a detailed itinerary for six weeks of travel—a leadership program and two backpacking excursions. But more than that, it’s me chasing a dream. I’ve always dreamed of exploring the world, with Antarctica holding a special place in my heart. This journey is the realization of that dream. You see, I have always followed my heart, often leading me down paths less traveled (both literally and figuratively), offering unforgettable and invaluable experiences. On this journey, I am reminded of that. I am given countless opportunities to rediscover why I love to travel, the lessons it imparts, and the gifts it offers along the way.

Travel not only reminds me that taking a leap into the unknown is always worth it, but is also an invitation to live with presence and gratitude, fully connected to humanity and the world. These are the reminders and lessons I’ve gathered along the way. Through challenges, unexpected encounters, and moments of awe, I’ve come to understand the importance of being open to whatever unfolds and the opportunities it presents. Each step of this journey became an opportunity for growth and appreciation, revealing beauty in small moments.

Starting with the program in Puerto Madryn, I’m thrown headfirst into a whirlwind of social and professional interactions with 100+ incredible individuals. Let’s be real—post-Covid, I could definitely use a social polish. I’m over here introducing myself like, “Hi, I’m Jordan, and I like to play in nature,” which felt trivial compared to the impressive achievements of those around me. But as I pushed past the initial awkwardness, I settled in. I quickly remembered how fortunate I am. I had the opportunity to connect with remarkable people of 18 nationalities whose journeys deeply enriched my experience. Their stories and the impact they have on the world were nothing short of inspiring.

My trip to Antarctica, along with the incredible people I shared the experience with, remains unforgettable. As I continued through South America, an unexpected theme carried through the entirety of my trip, reminding me of one of travel’s greatest gifts: the chance to connect. In a time when forming new connections feels like a thing of the past, every person I met left a mark. I was constantly reminded of the universal bonds that unite us, no matter where we come from.

Traveling alone in unfamiliar places, especially with language barriers, can be daunting. There were moments when I needed people—not just for practical help, but for emotional support as well. True to my luck, I faced a few illnesses and injuries along the way, and it was in these vulnerable moments that I had the most meaningful interactions.

Starting my solo backpacking recovering from COVID was far from ideal, but I couldn’t bring myself to miss it—Patagonia, a place etched onto sweaters and vivid in my imagination. After a few days of rest, I carried on. When I arrived at basecamp for our first family-style dinner, I sat outside by myself. Masked and surrounded by strangers, I felt uncomfortable, with all eyes seemingly on me. To my surprise, I ran into a familiar face (from the leadership program). Gudrun’s kindness and warm presence brought tears to my eyes. She and her husband invited me to join them for dinner, reassuring me they weren’t worried about exposure. That small yet meaningful gesture broke through the isolation I was feeling and reminded me of the power of kindness, especially when far from home.

At the end of that same hike, I developed a painful rash on my hands that eventually landed me in the ER. Miserable for days on the trail, I finally reached my breaking point when I returned to the city. I asked my host where I should seek medical attention and called for an Uber (thankfully, this city had them). My driver, noticing my discomfort, didn’t just drop me off—she walked me inside and checked me in. With my broken Spanish and growing discomfort, it surely would have been a struggle without her. Her thoughtful act turned a difficult moment into something far less overwhelming and incredibly comforting.

These strangers, who appeared in moments of need, became pillars of kindness. Their support reminded me that even in our most vulnerable times, we are never truly alone. These moments, both big and small, reminded me that kindness has the power to transform our experiences and connect us deeply to humanity. From the man in the market who purchased my bananas, to the mime (yep, that’s right) who broke character to carry my bag, to those who showed up when I was unwell—each act of generosity restored my faith in humanity. They reminded me that, at our core, we are good and capable of empathy. For everyone who showed their love, I am deeply grateful—they shaped my journey and reminded me of the enduring goodness in the world.

The kindness I experienced along the way opened my eyes to the abundance of the good around me, making me more attuned to both the people and places I encountered. Travel has a unique way of stripping away the rush of daily life, allowing me to slow down and truly absorb my surroundings. In unfamiliar environments, every sound, sight, and interaction invites me to be present. My trip became a practice of noticing—the kindness of strangers, simple moments, and extraordinary views. Even the moments that seemed like inconveniences—like an itinerary change, leaving my passport 10 miles back, or arriving at camp in a downpour—became opportunities to reflect and appreciate. These experiences reminded me of the profound fulfillment that comes from simply being present.

At first, I was overwhelmed by the unfamiliar and the challenges of being in a foreign place. But as my travels continued, I started to find solace in the most unexpected places—familiarities that grounded me. Whether it was a shared meal, the kind smile of a stranger, or a simple wave, these moments offered a sense of belonging. A smile truly does make a difference, and finding the familiar within the unknown brought me peace.

While I loved discovering new landscapes, I found a comforting familiarity in nature. Despite the uniqueness of each place, nature often offers familiar sights and sensations. Noticing these universal qualities across different environments allowed me to connect with past places and moments, making new surroundings feel more like home. It deepened my connection to the experience and place. The sea glass I found on my first beach walk, the crunch of gravel beneath my feet on the trail, the scent after rain, and the flowers that continued to reappear—each of these brought a profound sense of belonging.

Feeling the grass beneath my feet after 19 days at sea was a memorable moment. I was finally able to step outside, bask in the sun, and walk freely. Ten minutes into my walk, I found a morel mushroom—something I used to hunt for in Indiana each spring and had recently rediscovered in Oregon. I was kind of shocked. I took a photo and left it for others to enjoy. Two weeks later, on the other side of the continent, while hiking the Inca Trail, I stumbled upon morels sprouting from a stone wall over 600 years old. It was unbelievable. With permission, I savored those morels for dinner, embracing the joy of finding something familiar in new places and chapters of my life. These moments reaffirmed that even in the most unfamiliar settings, connections are always waiting to be discovered.

As I reflect on my journey, I realize that while the destinations and itinerary held significance, the true value lay in the connections I made and the lessons I learned. From acts of kindness to moments of familiarity amidst the unknown, this trip reiterated the importance of human connection, presence, and finding beauty in small moments. Whether navigating challenges or simply pausing to take in a view, I was reminded of how these experiences shape not just my travels, but my perspective on life. This journey was more than a dream come true—it was an exploration of self, connection, and the world around me. As life grows busy and often challenging, I hope to hold onto these lessons, weaving them into my daily life, staying present, open, and appreciative of the moments that truly matter.