The European Explorer: Lessons in Taking the Leap

After returning to the States and diving back into my career full-time, it’s hard to believe how much one year abroad taught me. For years, I worked relentlessly to build my brand, craft campaigns, and make endless cold calls. My life revolved around pushing forward and staying busy—whether it was networking or juggling multiple jobs. So, the idea of stepping away from all of that to go back to school felt foreign, almost unsettling. I love working, and I’ve always thrived on being busy. But after walking across the stage at graduation, I came to a sobering realization—something I’d always dreamed of was slipping away: I had never traveled abroad.

When the opportunity came to pursue a master’s degree in Ireland, it was a difficult choice. Should I leave behind everything I’d built for a year, risk losing momentum in my career, and follow a dream that could completely diverge my path? The stakes felt high. Yet, deep down, my gut told me to take the leap and go for it. So I did.

Thirty days later, I found myself in Ireland, experiencing a sense of disorientation I had never felt before. I was no longer surrounded by the comfort of familiarity—no job, no network, and no steady routine to anchor me. Initially, I struggled. I missed the fast-paced life I had created for myself. I longed for the constant engagement of working, talking to clients, making deals, and the excitement of managing my own brand. That lifestyle had become a part of my identity. Now, I was thrust into an environment where I was just a student again, and it was unsettling.

But instead of giving into the discomfort, I forced myself to adapt. I joined every student organization I could find, signed up for public speaking clubs, and volunteered my time wherever it was needed. To fill the void of missing work, I even took on jobs to stay busy and continue the momentum of growth. And outside of all that, I started hiking—a lot. I explored the beauty of Ireland’s landscapes every weekend, and in those moments of solitude, I began to reconnect with myself.

There were hikes where I found myself on trails that felt as though I could have been lost for days. These adventures were challenging, both physically and mentally, but they were also freeing. There were times I wondered if I’d encounter wild animals or if I was even prepared for the journey I was on. But each step reminded me why I had taken this leap—to challenge myself, to experience life outside my comfort zone, and to embrace the unfamiliar.

A pivotal moment in my journey happened while I was in Florence, Italy, for spring break on a group travel experience. I had an online interview with JPMorganChase for a position in New York, and it was one of those surreal experiences. There I was, sitting in a beautiful city, surrounded by history and culture while speaking to potential future colleagues about a role thousands of miles away. The balance between travel and career was never clearer than it was in that moment. To my delight, I secured the job, and it became one of the highlights of my year abroad. It reminded me that opportunities can arise anywhere, even in the most unexpected places, and that the risks we take often lead us to the rewards we deserve.

As the months unfolded, my time abroad became less about school and more about personal growth. I had set out to earn a degree, but I ended up gaining so much more than that. By the time my year came to an end, I had visited 20 countries and countless cities, each one offering a unique perspective and a lesson in adaptability. Yet, the most important lessons weren’t found in the classrooms or even in the breathtaking places I visited. They were found in the quiet moments of reflection, in learning to trust my instincts, and in the realization that growth often comes from discomfort.

I remember the last day of my travels vividly. I was in Amsterdam, walking 16 miles around the city on my own, reflecting on the whirlwind year I had just experienced. A year earlier, I had stood on the top floor of my business school, staring out and wondering if I’d ever get the chance to travel abroad. Now, I was wrapping up an adventure that had taken me to places I never imagined I would see, both literally and figuratively.

One of the most powerful realizations I had during that walk was that the decision to go to Ireland wasn’t just about fulfilling a dream—it was about trusting myself. There were countless moments, like when I sat near the Cliffs of Moher, where I questioned if I had made the right choice. But every time doubt crept in, I reminded myself of what my mother used to say: life is like a staircase. You take the first step, and no matter how hard it gets, you keep climbing because going back isn’t an option. And she was right.

Before I left for Ireland, I often wished I could live multiple lives, to see the outcomes of different decisions before making a choice. But I’ve come to realize that the life we live, the decisions we make, are guided by our instincts. The "what ifs" fade away when we follow our gut, and the rewards far outweigh the risks. The views from the top of Capri, the warmth of Irish culture, and the sun-soaked cliffs of the Algarve all reinforced this for me: when you trust yourself and take the leap, life has a way of rewarding your courage.

Now that I’m back and working again, I find myself appreciating the little things in life more than ever. This journey taught me that true wealth isn’t just found in career success or material gain. It’s found in health—mental, physical, and emotional. It’s in taking time to nurture your well-being, to help others, and to disconnect from the distractions of daily life. As I reflect on all that I’ve learned, one message stands out above all: the greatest form of wealth is health.

The European Explorer isn’t just a title or a symbol of my time abroad—it’s a mindset. It’s about exploring yourself, challenging the limits of what you think you can do, and growing in ways you never thought possible. Whether it’s taking a hike, reading a book, or just spending time away from social media, self-exploration is a journey we should all take. And if you ever find yourself wondering if you’re on the right path or if you’ve done enough, ask yourself these three simple questions:

• Is this good for my health?
• Is this good for my happiness?
• Is this good for my future?

If the answer is yes, keep climbing the staircase. Trust your instincts—they will guide you in the right direction.

Keep exploring, adventurers. And remember, what you manifest in thought will come to life.

Side note: Best cities—Paris and Munich; beach vibes—Mykonos; countryside—Austria.