Passport Pages to Paradigm Shifts: Forging Your Own Path

Aug 24

2 min read

As a kid, I wanted to be Indiana Jones. And truth be told, part of me still does—if you catch me out somewhere diggin’ in the dirt someday, mind ya bidness and let me be great! I’ve always been fascinated by discovery, history, and the thrill of forging new paths. So, when I found myself touring Angkor Wat in Cambodia—a site featured in Tomb Raider (a more gender-specific professional endeavor that came much later in life)—it felt like destiny. My inner archaeologist was ready for action.

But here’s the thing: I was traveling in a group of more than 30 people, and if you know me, you know I abhor group travel. I prefer to move at my own pace, linger where curiosity leads, and decide for myself what deserves more of my attention.

So, in true “Tomb Raider meets Indiana Jones” fashion, I hung back with a colleague and her aunt, letting the others rush ahead. We waited until the crowds cleared so I could step into those ancient, echoing corridors alone—camera ready, heart open. Eventually, we got separated from the main group, and that moment of “uh-oh” turned into the highlight of my 10-day journey through Vietnam and Cambodia.

I wandered through centuries-old temples, capturing images of monks in vivid orange robes against stone backdrops and soaking in the serenity of being completely in my element. My companions were nervous about missing the bus (one even busted out crying), but I trusted my instincts—and the sun. Using its position in the sky, I navigated us back to the west gate just in time. Turns out, the sun is a pretty reliable tour guide.

That unplanned detour reminded me why traditional paths—and traditional roles—never quite fit.

I’ve always been wired to explore, create, and define success on my own terms. I’ve learned that there is value in knowing yourself well enough to recognize when the path everyone else is taking isn't necessarily the path you're meant to be on.

Sometimes that means stepping away from the group. Sometimes it means lingering a little longer when everyone else is ready to move on. And sometimes it means getting lost.

For me, that willingness to explore has shaped far more than how I travel. It has shaped how I think about culture, identity, language, advocacy, and the work I choose to do. I've never been particularly interested in simply following a prescribed path because that's what you're “supposed” to do.

Today, I lead with curiosity, independence, and purpose, building work that reflects my values instead of fitting myself into someone else’s blueprint. And honestly? I’m not looking back.

Maybe that's one of the things travel has taught me: there isn't always one right way to get where you're going.

Sometimes you have to take the scenic route. Go off-roading. Follow your curiosity. Trust yourself enough to pause when everyone else is rushing ahead.

Because the unexpected detours aren't always distractions from the journey.

Sometimes, they enhance the journey.

Okay, y’all—your turn. Ever gone a little off script and ended up exactly where you needed to be? Tell me your favorite “accidental adventure” moment—travel or otherwise. Bonus points if it involved getting lost and loving it.