Today, we introduce you to Taylar, our newest Travel Coordinator! Taylor comes to us by way of Illinois and is full of passion and enthusiasm for our mission. She will be leading our international distribution trips and couldn’t be more excited to start. Read on to learn more about Taylar and what he involvement with Soles4Souls means:
What made you interested in Soles4Souls?
I knew after returning from my 2009 trip to Kenya that I wanted to pursue nonprofit work as a career. Soles4Souls’ mission encompasses everything I had hoped for in a job. It’s a simple concept: shoes, but the impact is huge! I love that Soles4Souls focuses on domestic collection, international distribution and long-term sustainability. It’s a multi-faceted mission that I’m so proud to be a part of!
What are you most looking forward to with working here?
The traveling, of course! I think this first year is going to be a whirlwind! I will be traveling to several countries I’ve never been to before, so I am beyond excited! In the long run, I’m most excited that each distribution trip is going to be a new adventure. I’m excited about the amazing people I’m going to meet while leading the trips and I can’t wait to hear their stories. Soles4Souls doesn’t just change the lives of the people we distribute to, it changes the lives of our participants too. I can’t wait to be a part of that!
What are the top three reasons a participant should travel with you?
1) I’m awesome & hilarious! It’s a package deal. Every trip will be a good time, guaranteed.
2) My travel motto is “go big or go home.” I’ll be encouraging our participants to try an unusual food in Tanzania, go zip-lining across the Costa Rican rainforest, dance like a fool with little Haitian kiddos… whatever you do, just don’t say ‘No’!
3) I love to travel. It’s as simple as that. I hope my infectious spirit & love for traveling becomes contagious.
What is your prior travel experience?
I was bit by the travel bug after my first international trip to Nairobi, Kenya in 2009. Two weeks and I was in love – In love with exploring other cultures, in love with traveling, in love with seeing the world! Later that same year, I spent 10 days in Titanyen, Haiti leading a trip of fellow North Central College students. This was the trip that changed my life. It was the most humbling, life-changing, beautiful trip to one of the most gorgeous countries I’ve ever been! Haiti stole a piece of my heart.
Of course, I couldn’t stop with short-term trips, so I applied to study abroad. I spent the Fall of 2010 living & studying in Agia Paraskevi, Greece (Northern suburb of Athens). I was able to explore many areas throughout Greece, including the islands of Hydra & Santorini. I also took advantage of my European locale and spent several long weekends traveling to: Rome, Italy, Paris, France, Dublin, Ireland & London, England!
Why do you love to travel?
A few words in a sentence could never truly describe my love for travel. I love the sense of adventure associated with travel. I love stepping so completely out of my comfort zone that I find a new piece of myself. I love being disconnected from all facets of life back home & learning to be completely content in the moment. I love the feeling of a new stamp in my passport. Most of all I love the people you meet while traveling, no matter what the circumstance there will always be someone with a story to share – it’ll stay with you forever!