I’m not really sure why exactly STA picked me, but I assume it’s about the sum of all parts. All these parts were possible by people I care about as well as people I didn’t know before this. I want to show my gratitude because they didn’t have to do anything, but they did, and now I have a purpose in life beyond making butt-shaped impressions in my parents’ couch.

Thank you

The brains behind National Geographic Traveler’s Blog, Everything Everywhere, Wanderlust and Lipstick, and the travel blogging community for the kind of support that makes my heart flutter.

Don Welsh and Bill Benner from Indianapolis Tourism for helping me make incredible contact with some of my best video vistas.

Eric Powell and Jana Strange for showing me a side of the Speedway only the lucky ones get to experience.

The great ones from Spring 07 who remind me of unbelievably lucky times: Karron Emholtz, Laura Stolen, Anna Rose Tomaro, Robb Sliker, Kelsey Dunn, Perry Stamp, and innumerable more.

Docta’ Hamer, Mr. Fumusa, Mrs. Teets, and my humble, yet brilliant, educators at Park Tudor for the inspiring conversations, the priceless advice, and the care for my future even after my high school days.

Barton Bridge for the generous use of his baby MacBook while I created video #2, saving me from working with a Dell on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Call me about dinner, son.

Bryan Lufkin for being a sage, a comic relief, and the supplier of weekly vocabulary words.

Amy VanVoorhis is credited with planting the desire in me to circumnavigate and traverse with the best of ‘em.

Hayley Beauchamp for offering two more eyes, priceless ideas, and the presence of someone to whom I’m not embarrassed to show my raw material. In the womb at the same time, girl, in the WOMB!

A big old OSKIWAWA for my Apaches, including but not limited to: Katie VanVoorhis, Chelsea Beauchamp, Margaux DeMoss, Laura Miller, and everyone from the little metropolis of Wabash.

The ladies of M³ in Bloomington, Indiana who represent 1442 with class, vigor, and an ample serving of impressive ambition. Thank you, Mus, old and new.

Ahoy to the feminine perfection of lady sailors at Drake and their dedication to a girl they didn’t know, thanks to a certain cheerleader.

Michael Chaffin for being really nice.

To the greatest offspring a maternal figure could ask for, to whom I wish the sweetest of adventures and unexpected hilarities in Peru and beyond. And gentle blessings on your Aud friends, Katie Beck.

Brandon Cavaness for answering novice questions with patience (and for just being so fan-darn-tastic).

To the folks at Trip on a Deal who made a huge difference in my marketing skills and confidence. I hope we can make it happen some day.

To my friends at the Alma Mater: Caroline Parrin, Alex Pruitt, and the rest of you Panthers who protect my sanity while abroad and stateside…ESPECIALLY stateside. Ha.

Rachel Rudwall. What a woman. Am I right, or am I right? Good answer.

Patrick, Ross, and the Drago family for giving me incredible African experiences and then posting the love as if they hadn’t done enough already.

Mama, Papa, Grandmamas, Grandpapas and Family for rightly worrying about my survival and future, yet backing me up in all these conquests.

To Ian and Allison for procreating…and for doing all things priceless and much appreciated.

To the man who slept on the especially wet side of the tent on that cliff’s edge, the same one who will soon save lives in other countries. Garrett Van Dame Russell.

Once a stranger and fellow applicant, now someone I desperately hope to meet someday! Sierra Anderson makes my dreams come true, and she does it for herself also.

To anyone and everyone who messaged me during the process to inquire about traveling, RTWing, female globe romping, and offered up incredible encouragement. I really do want to keep in touch.

Billy Boese for his continued, impeccable web help that enables me to look half-decent on this Web World.

My compadres from Indiana University who were all about making me look good. Thanks especially to Mr. Petrulli.

The future Amanda Barrette Collins for wishing me success at the probable cost of missing her biggest day and not being a bridesmaid. My apologies are accompanied by an invitation for a Destin Beach weekend when I return…think about it.

To the amazing Bob Fawcett for making it pretty darn obvious IU is the top dog out there and for unwavering support that will make this trip surpass all expectations. Also to Brandon Widener for a solid mindset enviable by all who will ever meet him. Fellas, let’s plan a trip.

The delicious boys at Yat’s and Joe Vuskovich for spooning out the goodness since the fondest days of my high school years.

The Mann family for employing a galavanting vagabond and giving me purpose and sanity in the midst of a very radical application process. I commend you for raising two such intelligent, mature, and hilarious children.

And to anyone I didn’t mention specifically, because my brain is anything but organized and capable of grasping key concepts. I needed everyone to make this possible, and I now need you all to make this trip your own with your suggestions and feedback along the way. I’m doing this for education’s sake, so educate me in the ways I can educate you on the world and globetrotting.

To a lady unmatched in stature, who towers above the rest and scares women and children around the world. My little lumberjack and ultimate travel buddy: the amazing Alexis Reller, whose commitment to my causes got her kicked off Facebook indefinitely. I owe you more than just a trip to Des Moines. Here…get in my backpack…Chris won’t notice.

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