Young people should seek adventure now, grow up later

Young people should seek adventure now, grow up later | Opinion

In hindsight, I realize my goals as a college student were all wrong. In my determination to achieve straight A's, be picked for a prestigious newspaper internship and eventually rule the world as a powerhouse woman and sprinter up the career ladder, I left one of life's necessary ingredients out of my plan. Adventure.

By Gabrielle Nomura • July 6, 2011 6:03 pm

My college goals were flawed.

In my determination to achieve straight A’s, be picked for a prestigious newspaper internship and become a powerhouse career woman, I left one of life’s necessary ingredients out of my plan.

Adventure.

Before the responsibilities of life take over (house, marriage, kids, career, etc.) every young person needs adventure. Teach English in China. Hike and paddle through wild and rugged terrain. Drive a tour bus.

Live stories that will leave your future grand-kids riveted. It sounds cheesy, but it’s important.

These opportunities to travel, or to step outside normal life can kick you out of your comfort zone in a good way. They open your eyes to things you never dreamed existed, and pump a newfound zeal into your veins.

Before I got my first grown-up job (this one), I had one of these life-changing adventures a year ago as a tour guide on board the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad – built more than 100 years ago during the Klondike Gold Rush.

I told local legends of diamond-clad saloon madams and gun shoot-outs to hundreds of cruise ship passengers who came ashore to ride the train. I pointed out the magenta Fireweed growing along the 110-mile railway, trying not to shriek with delight too loudly into the microphone whenever I saw a bear cub ambling through the woods. I explained the geology of the natural surrounding beauty as we traveled through southeast Alaska into British Columbia, Canada.

My coworkers were seasoned conductors, brakeman and engineers or other tour guides, young women from all over the country who would become some of my closest friends. I loved this experience like a kid at camp.

From a narrow-gauge railway in the mountains, I was humbled as I saw the world 3,000 feet above sea level. Looking down at miles of greenery, or at passing waterfalls and mountain-top glaciers, I appreciated my life, and my freedom, in a way I never had before.

When I left Alaska, I knew my thinking had changed. I understood a new kind of ambition not based on prestige, money or status.

Eventually, you may need to be a responsible 9-to-5 employee. But before you do, don’t let the opportunity for an adventure rush past. Jump on board.