As a young adult with hopes of becoming a pediatric neurosurgeon, I set my sights on studying biology and behavioral neuroscience. As time progressed, my interests shifted from the complexities of neurons to a deeper desire for connecting with people around the world and exploring the interconnected dynamics of people and their environment. My most substantial moment that unknowingly spearheaded my academic intersections began at a neurobiology lab at Duke University. While studying epigenetic factors of fruit flies, I learned significant lessons of how entwined our body, brain, and the environment truly are. I presented a poster on my research, and without awareness, stuck the information in my lab coat to be used later. 

I took a break from my academic pursuits and stepped back to deduce the life path I was so desperately searching for. While working, I spent my free time improving my fitness, or so that is what I thought was my sole intention. Soon, I became entranced with trotting through cities, then forest floors. I planted my feet in the trail running community and with each passing day learned that the sport is just as much about the mind as it is about the body. As ten kilometer distances turned to thirty, I pulled the imaginary study sheet that used to be located in a dirty white coat  from my even dirtier running vest. The mental resilience required to conquer ultra distances is not unlike how the brain adapts to the environment or how it can stably change the function of cells. The mental fortitude cultivated by myself and the other ultra-running community trains the mind and conditions the body to the environment around them.

As time passed, and miles stretched behind me, I made an enormous change and endowed on a new endeavor over 6000 kilometers away. Now, instead of neural pathways and genes, I study Travel and Tourism Management. It focuses on how individuals adore discovering new places. While I personally align with this phenomenon, I more so aim to instigate people to uncover the hidden natural beauty of the planet. Through my personal life in ultrarunning, I’ve begun to merely scratch the surface of these little-known wonders. Travel is intertwined with my running journey and with each new destination, I become even more in awe of the communities and locations that I encounter. While I hope to share or inspire others’ countless adventures, I realize that with greater movement to untouched natural beauty, there becomes a momentous potential to destroy it. 

My love for exploration now blends with a commitment to making a positive impact. Sustainable tourism envelopes these parameters and expands upon them socially, culturally, and environmentally. The psychology behind it mirrors the lessons I’ve learned as a behavioral neuroscientist and a runner; it is exciting to explore new places and experience a rush of dopamine, but it’s crucial to slow down and interact with exceptional humans and animals. It’s much better to enjoy the journey and leave a positive mark on the world that will remain for future generations to come. 

I realize my journey from a potential pediatric surgeon to an ultra-runner enamored by travel and sustainability is anything but linear. However, with each step, I utilize my experiences and knowledge to connect with my mind, body, and the ever-expanding world around me. I remind myself to take a breath, enjoy the little things, and respect both cultures and the natural world around me. Life isn’t about continuing on a path you believe is right for you, rather it’s about enjoying the epic adventures in each and every moment.