Epilogue

284 day of the project,
San Francisco, California

"We shall not cease from our exploration
and at the end of all our exploring
will be to arrive where we started
and to know the place for the first time.”

- T.S. Eliot

I have always loved this passage from "Little Giddings.” It alludes to the resolution of an expedition, whether it is a literal or metaphoric journey. The resolution of the 30th Year Project gave new meaning to those words. Indeed, I see my community—global, local, familial and by extension, myself--through new eyes. On the eve of my 31st birthday, I am reflecting on the experiences that will influence me for the rest of my life.

The impact of globalization cannot be underestimated, but it does not fully define us. It has certainly been studied and sensationalized over the last few decades. However, it is one thing to rely on the academic analysis. It is quite another to feel the full force of humanity’s smallness and interconnections. There is something oddly comforting in the discovery of banal similarities across borders. Yet this notion is also an oversimplification. First, this "truth" is based on experiences with my socioeconomic peers. It ignores the growing inequity between the "haves" and "have nots" around the world. Second, it assumes identical beliefs and values, which couldn't be further from reality. Finally, it underestimates human creativity and ingenuity as a result of our different experiences. This dissonance is hard to reconcile; frankly, even after six months of travel, I am still trying to articulate the balance.

In turn, my experience of global connectivity has changed my definition of and the emphasis I place on community. It transforms a medium-sized city in California into a small town. Our relationships, triumphs and problems are magnified. And when one feels a sense of responsibility for a place and its people, you know you have found your tribe. I want to celebrate what is amazing and work to change what isn’t in San Francisco. This challenge won’t be solved in a day and will evolve over time, but I am excited to give back.

My personal community is not confined to borders but is dictated by shared experiences and values. I felt the unwavering support of friends—new and old—throughout the re-entry process. This sentiment was confirmed on a recent trip to Colombia, where new bonds were formed and older ones were nourished. My relationship with my family deepened through our shared travel experiences. It has opened the door to future adventures together….something I would have never imagined possible a year ago.

The change in worldview reflects changes in me. Solo travel instills a very clear sense of self. My material needs have been reduced, as I know there is true happiness in living out of a 50-liter backpack. My sense of personal space has changed, as six months in shared accommodations means I am far less irritated on a rush-hour Muni bus. My empathy, patience and respect for human diversity has deepened; simultaneously, I am less tolerant of shallow relationships and place more emphasis on those with candor and depth.

In short, I know myself for the first time.