I began travelling in 2005 with a trip to Italy with my Grandma and cousin. Since then I have never really stopped except those brief moments when I go back to school.

I left my home in Canada in March 2013 to jet-set off to Japan and begin my career as a teacher. Since then my life has been countless moments of joy as I live an amazing adventure. Through all that joy though are all the countless moments between that are full of sadness, anger, or pain. In those moments I want only one thing, my mom.

My mom has always been a strong influence in my life. She has always been my shoulder to cry on and the person pushing me to do whatever I dare to dream. She has supported me in so many ways and recently my time has been a countdown of the countless hours until I get to return to Canada and spend time with my family.

For all the moments of joy I’ve had abroad I’ve also missed moments that I can never get back at home. I wasn’t there for birthdays and holidays. I’ve missed weddings and celebrations. For all the things travel has brought me I am forever grateful but now I’m grateful for the chance to stay in Canada for a little while. There are many places within Canada and the USA I can travel to. Maybe I’ll even convince the family to come along for the ride.