Traveler Interview: Kathryn Johnson
A junior at Luther College in Decorah Iowa, Kathryn Johnson studies Spanish in hopes of using her language skills in her future career and life. She is actively involved in a student-organized Spanish group called Hola/Enlaces which educates members about the struggles of immigration, and provides opportunities to volunteer teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) classes to a Hispanic population.
Kathryn’s passion for travel blossomed out of her love for foreign language, which led to a curiosity in culture and diversity. In August, 2015, Kathryn plans to volunteer in France or Morocco before traveling to Spain for a semester-long study abroad experience. This will be her first experience abroad, and she can’t wait to immerse herself in the culture of Europe.
We wanted to learn more about what fuels Kathryn’s passion to travel.
The Jones: What makes you want to travel?
Kathryn: The idea of meeting new people and experiencing other cultures is what makes me want to travel the world. There is so much more to see and learn about outside of Northeast Iowa and especially outside of the United States. I can’t imagine myself not traveling because I believe that the experiences I will have during my travel will be some of the most important ones in my lifetime. I hope that those experiences will teach me to appreciate the world on a more knowledgeable level.
Have you always enjoyed travel? What contributed to your love of travel?
Kathryn: Yes, travel has always been one of my favorite things. When I was little, it was the idea of vacation that made me want to visit new places and have fun. Now that I’m older, I have realized that the reason I love to travel so much has to do more with the experience and the people I share the experience with. Being able to look at things from a different perspective than I’m used to also contributes to my love of travel.
Kathryn enjoyed visiting Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate sculpture nicknamed “the Bean” in downtown Chicago.
What is your favorite destination? Why?
Kathryn: By far, my favorite destination is Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. I’ve traveled there numerous times with classmates, friends, or family, and I never get tired of exploring the well-known tourist town because there’s so much to do.
The Wisconsin Dells offers a wide variety of attractions including Mt. Olympus and Noah’s Ark which are huge amusement and water parks. Visitors can feed the deer and the deer park, go on a historic tour in the Duck Boats, or explore the downtown shopping area, which is my favorite part of The Dells.
You are planning an international travel experience next year as part of your college experience. Why is studying abroad important to you?
Kathryn: Studying abroad is an amazing opportunity that many students don’t even consider. After college, many people find that they have commitments that hold them back from traveling whether it is their career, their family, etc. Being able to study abroad during college is the best way for me to travel and experience new and exciting things because there is nothing holding me back. It’s something that I don’t take for granted because this amazing opportunity is a way for me to expand my college education in the best way possible.
My favorite quote is, “In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take.” Studying abroad is important to me because I know if I don’t do it I would be missing out on so many amazing experiences.
Kathryn steps out on the Ledge – 1,353 feet above the ground – at the Willis Tower Skydeck in Chicago.
What destination has surprised you the most, either good or bad?
Kathryn: The first time I traveled to Arizona with my family, I wasn’t very excited about the trip. My parents had a vacation home near Phoenix, and my dad wanted to drive there to leave the car there for future visits. I was not excited for the long drive from Northeast Iowa to Arizona, and since we were visiting in December, we ended up driving through a bad snow storm.
The trip, however, was surprisingly fun. I love spending time with my family and going to places I’ve never been before. Once we arrived, I had so much fun there because I was in a new, different place with the people I love.
From your travels, do you have a practice or insight that makes your travel experiences more enjoyable?
Kathryn: Planning is one of the most important things a traveler can do before heading out on an adventure, especially if there are specific locations that he or she wants to visit. It’s important to be prepared.
I always have a list of everything I want to see as well as everything I need to bring. It’s important to not over pack, but I’m always sure to bring a camera and a journal to capture my experiences so that I can look back on them.
Did you study abroad while you were in college? If so, what was the biggest benefit to your career? To your life? Please share your thoughts in comments below.
You may want to check out these other travel chats….
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- “If I don’t have my “˜fun on’, I might as well stay home!” A Travel Chat with a Professional Organizer.
- “Spending time in gorgeous settings feeds my soul”;” A Travel Chat with a Kansas City Entrepreneur.
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