India

Before I turned 18 I didn’t have a passport and I had never been out of the country (with the exception of Canada). I had also never been on an airplane flight. So, naturally I thought the perfect introductory trip would involve 26 hours of flying time, and would take me around the world to Asia. So I did.

July 2009 I got on my very first plane with 11 of my best friends to go explore Bangalore, India. We lovingly referred to ourselves as “The Bangalore 12.” We spent 15 days getting to know the city, the people and eating amazing food.

There are so many stories to tell it’s hard so even begin to sum them up, but I can honestly say, I wouldn’t be the person I am today if I hadn’t gone on that trip. It’s amazing the amount of self growth you can experience when you’re thousands of miles away from everything you know. Your “comfort zone” can, so often, become your prison. Break out! Take a chance on life and it will reward you.