I bet there has been a time in your life when someone has asked you to describe yourself in two words, maybe one. Time and time again this question gets thrown out at me and since I can remember, my response has always been the same – traveler. My answer might appear a bit cliché, maybe even overused on several applications, but there is often a misinterpretation between traveler and tourist. To me, a traveler is someone who has the capability, and interest, to interact with those who are “locals,” whereas a tourist does what those before them have done. Evidence suggests children begin withholding memories at the age of three. Ironically, from birth I have had the privilege to travel to numerous locations, yes, as a tourist. Traveling to London at the age of three, choosing to go to sleep away camp across the country for two months at the age of six and continuing my summer travels to foreign countries. My pursuit to immerse myself into other cultures and meet new people has not only become a mission I’ve sworn by, but has given me the most life fulfillment. As bizarre as some of you may find it, nothing has given me the same adrenal rush that creating everlasting friendships in the small village of Cuajiniquil, Costa Rica, Castle Bruce, Dominica or even in Barcelona, Spain . The value of maintaining a friendship and establishing common grounds in uncommon territory has always been fascinating – I aspire to surround my life around these moments. As those who know me say, “Eat, Pray, Love is the life she was born to live.” It’s astonishing to believe that the majority of people I’ve met in Boston, New Hampshire, New York and even Los Angeles, don’t have that fiery desire to step out of their comfort zones and venture into unchartered territories – even as a tourist. As my 6-month journey wraps up in New York and I prepare for a 6-month adventure to Australia, I can honestly say I’ve been pleasantly surprised. Finding those interesting and inspiring relationships has not fallen short from previous experience. Having come here alone, I can honestly say, regardless of being a small fish in a big pond, it’s easy to find your niche. But it isn’t about finding your comfort zones in unchartered territories – it’s about putting ourselves out there in the most uncomfortable situations. Of course it’s pleasant to find a familiar face, cling onto those we feel as ease with and go about our travels, but what have you truly achieved? Forcing ourselves to face these bare moments, similar to those the gruesomely awkward moments where your sensation to pull out your phone slowly overpowers your body, allows us to personally develop – To take in those silent, foreign glimpses in your life. We live in time where everyone is afraid to be alone – always needing to have our phones out when we are walking alone or waiting for a friend in a cafe. Take in the stillness of those apprehensive moments. What is the worst that could happen? You have a little self-reflection and people look at you? If anything, you look confident and comfortable with yourself.   Whether you are a traveller who explores multiple countries with a friend or somebody who is too afraid to walk alone in their own city, take a minute to yourself. For the traveller, plan a trip by yourself – you might be surprised by the relationships you’ll begin to form when that crutch isn’t by your side. As for the phone relier, take a walk alone and leave your phone in that back pocket  – you might discover something about yourself without having to respond to the constant buzzing of your phone.