Contracorriente: Spanish in origin meaning “against the current; upstream; against the tide.” Many of us feel this sense of broader purpose.  A sense of longing for something that you can’t quite put your finger on. You know, deep down in your soul, you were put on the Earth for a grand purpose. You live each day being pulled towards something or feeling as though you’re not complete.  Well I’ve been feeling this way since I was a little girl. I’ve always known that one day I would be working internationally. Working to solve a problem that impacts the world, specifically the people within it.  When thinking about it, it usually involved women and children. My life has been driven by passion for education and people utilizing their skills and talents for the betterment of those around them.

Well let’s fast forward a bit. I am now 30 years old. Single. I’ve worked in the nonprofit sector my entire career. First with my sorority as a consultant, traveling to more than 30 universities over the course of an academic year and then served as a senior consultant working with two of our chapters in Arizona.  Once I finished my second year, I returned home to Florida and worked for our local Chamber where I managed a young professional program. My most recent position has been working with a program called Women in Leadership & Philanthropy.  My career has been the perfect culmination of things I love.

Weirdly enough, I feel that I had my dream job by the time I was 30.  I’m hungry for more and feel as though this is the time that I need to make a bold move. Late last year I decided I was tired of always saying “One day I’m going to …” – I filled in the blank with many things. “One day I will travel the world; one day I will learn to play the violin; one day I’ll become a big sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters!” I decided now is the time. #WhyWait became my motto.  Long story short, I decided it was time to go abroad.  I have dreamed of this abroad experience for so long but who knows if I’ll even enjoy it. Maybe I’ll be paralyzed by fear. Maybe I’ll never want to come home.

This past summer I took a 19 day solo trip to Spain.  It was more than I could have ever imagined. I made new friends. I walked more than I ever have in my life.  I saw the most beautiful sights.  I learned how to drive manual transmission. I pushed past fears.  I got lost in the most beautiful way. It was exactly what I hoped it would be. I came home. Everything the same – yet I felt slightly changed. When abroad I felt alive like never before. I had a taste of something new and it was glorious!  Well after being home for months, I realized I was back to the same old stuff too.  This isn’t the life I imagined. There isn’t anything wrong with the life I’m living and I certainly wouldn’t want my friends to think that it’s them – but when you’re being drawn to a bigger purpose – you almost feel suffocated in the mundane day to day stuff.

Contracorriente represents the next chapter in my life. It’s the moment that I decided to follow my own path. Chart my own course. I want to be a feather, floating in the wind. Many won’t completely understand my choice in leaving my current job. Many will question why I don’t have a solidified plan.  I am going to go against the current and do life my own way! In 2017, I will embark on a solo travel around the world! Beyond seeing the world and learning about different cultures and communities, my goal is to broaden my understanding of global issues impacting women. I want to assist in efforts to build a world in which every woman and girl can exercise her rights, receive an education and live up to her full potential.