Youth Voice – Road to personal development

Travel is one of the greatest adventures to embark on in life. Travelling as a young person helps with broadening cultural understanding, making special friendships and enjoying new formational experiences. It is a deep form of education to embrace, and something well worth investing time and resources.

From writing this in the vibrant city of London, to having studied in Colombia, volunteered in Uganda, visited churches in Nepal and explored my family’s ancestral lands of Ireland, I can undoubtedly say all of these experiences have enriched my life for the better.

For one, developing better cultural understanding and learning languages is very important in our globalised society and diverse city. There is only so much you can learn from a textbook and a classroom. I remember staying as a homestay with a lovely family in Chile, and being forced to communicate through very limited Spanish. While deeply humbling, it truly was the best way to learn.

Travel also helps broaden perspectives on global issues, encourages empathy and a sense of responsibility towards helping address the challenges of our international community. The opportunity to meet and make international friends is a unique part of the journey.

Marvelling at wondrous, unique landmarks and outlooks with sightseeing is undoubtedly a special experience and makes for a captivating Instagram feed. However, it is the friendships and community connections formed that make for wonderful memories and, ultimately, grow a stronger bond to places. It doesn’t just help with future accommodation plans, but brings about lifelong connections that grow our hearts and minds!

Finally, as a young person, travel is a great opportunity for PD (personal and arguably professional development). Travel can set you up for being more adaptable, independent and resilient. While travel shouldn’t be viewed merely as a ‘find myself’ expedition, it can help aid reflection on identity, values and life’s next steps.

It also grows appreciation for how good we have it in our little corner of the world, in Aotearoa New Zealand, and life on the Hibiscus Coast. At the end of the day, our spot of paradise, with its plethora of beaches and precious community is the place I am so grateful to call ‘home sweet home’.

Travelling is undoubtedly a privilege. An opportunity and journey that many around the world are not afforded. However, if we are blessed to have the opportunity then we can use it for our own personal development and allow it to positively influence our engagement with the world.

Philosopher Augustine of Hippo says, “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” So, if you are a school leaver or university student with itchy feet, then why not seize the day to embark on your next travel adventure and get reading.