My Story:
In 2012, fueled by a sense of adventure and a desire to break free from my comfort zone, I embarked on a solo backpacking journey through Thailand. With a one-way ticket and no set plans, I navigated unfamiliar territories, slept in unknown places, and disconnected from the digital world. This experience, initially daunting, proved to be transformative and life-changing.
During my four-month backpacking odyssey, I traveled to Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. I discovered the profound significance of stepping outside my comfort zone. Engaging with diverse cultures, meeting people from around the world, and exploring new countries became the catalyst for personal growth. This transformative journey awakened a latent leadership within me, prompting me to leverage these experiences when crafting my college application.
Upon returning to Miami, a fortuitous connection led me to Leigh-Ann Buchanan and the Nyah Project. Captivated by the organization's mission to empower high school students, providing them not only guidance through their college admissions but also an opportunity to participate in a transformative fellowship abroad. I was drawn to the impactful work from day one. Leigh-Ann's unwavering dedication further inspired my commitment to the Nyah Project.
Fast forward a decade to 2023, where my path intersected with influential mentors like Joel Gandara and individuals championing mental well-being on social media. Such as Jesse Itzler, Alvaro Nunez, and many others. One notable figure, Colin O’Brady, introduced the 12-hour walk challenge. Intrigued, I accepted the challenge, walking from Aventura to Pompano, covering an astonishing 29 miles in one stretch. I fell in love with the challenge, which led me to repeating the feat 10 months later. This time I walked from Doral to Halouver Park, covering 33.5 miles.
Reflecting on this accomplishment, I sought a new challenge, eventually conceiving the idea of walking 100 miles in four days. Nyah Project, entering its 10th year, became the perfect catalyst for this ambitious endeavor. Walking 100 miles not only served as a personal milestone but also symbolized a tribute to the decade-long impact of the Nyah Project, raising awareness for its remarkable cause.
Since its inception, Nyah Project has helped underrepresented students win over $26 million in scholarships and its Fellows boast a 100% immediate college matriculation rate. Throughout my walk, I will stop at many of South Florida's public and private institutions for higher education, bringing awareness to the importance of higher education and its ability to transform the lives of students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.
This journey, from the spontaneity of backpacking through Thailand to the deliberate steps taken (quite literally) for the Nyah Project, embodies my commitment to pushing boundaries, fostering personal growth, dismantling limiting beliefs, and advocating for transformative change.
My Walking Route:
