Last fall, I interviewed a Rose-Hulman professor to write a story about his travels to Africa on behalf of the college. Just before I left his office, he showed me a basket of multi-colored elephants he brought back from Africa and invited me to take one home with me. Not long after our conversation, I added Kenyan safari to my travel bucket list.
With Sophie going away to college this fall, I’ve thought so much about what I want the next stage of my life to look like. And travel is a central part of that vision. But not just any travel … adventures outside the United States, to countries I’ve only seen in movies or read about in books. I have a list of ideas and destinations and it grows by the week.
I’m asked a lot about how I’ll feel when Sophie moves away. And while it will certainly be a change, I can honestly say I am truly excited for both of us to start these new chapters of our lives. … And while the African safari may be a bit father down the line, I keep this little elephant below the computer screen on my desk to remind me of that goal and every other adventure that lies ahead.