Ever since I impulsively boarded a one-way flight to Australia at 18, my life has been a whirlwind of adventure. From standing atop the world at Mount Everest to freefalling over Byron Bay, and jetting off to Rio for a Taylor Swift concert, I've embraced every opportunity to explore. Travelling allows me to embody my most vibrant, friendly, and curious self. Whether navigating bustling cities or remote villages, each destination enriches my understanding of the world. Along the way, I've forged lifelong friendships, dabbled in multiple languages, and discovered my true purpose.
Kaitie Gagnon
I'd say the most interesting thing about me would be my spontaneity and thirst for new experiences, which has led me to all corners of the world. From completing my yoga teacher training in India to working seasonally in California on farms, dancing in the desert at Burning Man, and instructing surfers in Tofino, I've welcomed every opportunity to immerse myself in different cultures and lifestyles. Even during the challenges of COVID-19, with the inability to travel, I found myself starting my apprenticeship in carpentry, which has culminated in me becoming a certified Red Seal Carpenter. I love finding myself in strange places, and learning from the experts.
“Of all the books in the world, the best stories are found between the pages of a passport.”
One of my fondest travel memories occurred in the most unexpected place. It all started one winter when I watched Rocky with my mom and felt inspired to run up the Art Museum steps in Philadelphia on my upcoming birthday in June. Having spent spring in California, I flew out from there, and my mom joined me. Over several days, we created our own Rocky montage, which included eating raw eggs at dawn, sprinting through the Italian Market, doing chin-ups on scaffolding, and even enlisting a stranger to pose as my coach. Each moment led to the exhilarating final run up the steps. That day, I walked more steps than ever before, laughing joyously with my mom throughout. What began as a spontaneous and whimsical idea became one of the most unforgettable experiences of my travels, teaching me that adventure and delight can be found in the most unexpected places.