A Farewell to GoAbroad & An Open Letter to STA Travel

It's been nearly a year since I've updated What Would Jane Do (apologies on that front) but it seems there's no better way to make a comeback than by sharing one of the biggest and most recent announcements regarding my life:

After nearly four years with my GoAbroad family, it's with bittersweet emotions that I announce my departure as Outreach Manager (aka: Roadshow Veteran, Obsessive Tweeter, Excessive Jewelry-Wearer, and General Troublemaker) in the GoAbroad US office.  

Tuesday Travel Inspiration: Road Warrior Glam

Not too long ago, I shared a post showcasing 7 ways to amp up your wardrobe. As I've been traveling throughout this spring, I've been on the lookout for even more ways to rock an outfit without sacrificing too much space in my carry on.

From air travel to road trips, traveling for business can make it difficult to only pack the necessities. At least, it's difficult for me as I'm a recovering over-packer trying to make it as a carry-on-only traveler. I know I'll need the slacks and blouse, but what about an outfit for the reception afterwards, or for a night spent relaxing at a low-key pub? What if I need comfy clothes for the long haul drive back home, or for getting a morning workout in? And don't even get me started on the jewelry.

Sure, I get that not everyone is this kind of traveler. But for me, dressing for success is part of what helps to inspire a rockstar attitude. If I love what I'm wearing, and feel comfortable in the outfit, I'm ready to take on a long day of meetings, presentations, or chat with students on campus all day.

So for today's #TravelTuesday inspiration, we're going to dive into some fashion tips for all the road warriors out there. The most important lesson to take away from these before we even get started: make them work for YOU. As unique as our style of travel may be, so are the ways we rock an outfit. Get creative, make it your own, and keeping on doing you, boo boo.

Tuesday Travel Inspiration: Unity

There are things that happen in life that can break us, make us, beat us down, and help us to rise again. Through each experience, it helps to have a hand to hold or a shoulder to lean on; especially when the going gets rough. And if there was ever a time to band together, it would be now, when stories of survival and strength continue to pour in regarding Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.

I've written briefly about this disaster and its impact on my colleagues at GoAbroad.com, but today I'd like to get a bit more personal.

With so many crazy things that happen in this world, it's easy to become desensitized to all that we read about, or hear from others about. It's another thing entirely when those you hold close to your heart experience these situations firsthand. It can make you feel helpless, a little bit angry (or a lot), and wondering what you can possibly say to express the depth of your emotions.

Yet, in the face of these circumstances, it's often those who lived it who inspire you to be stronger, to be more hopeful, and to keep a smile on your face. 

Tuesday Travel Inspiration: Hope

I've been thinking a lot about hope lately.

In the wake of all that has happened in the Philippines following Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda), and its impact on my friends and colleagues there, clinging to hope has become a source of motivation and keeping a positive attitude.

Hope is what I reached for when we lost communication with our GoAbroad Asia offices during the storm, when word started trickling in regarding staff safety, and as I viewed image after image of the sheer devastation done to the country.

It was heartbreaking to see and hear about things from thousands of miles away; I don't even begin to imagine what it must have been like for those who lived it. I still struggle to even know how to write about this. I can only send my hopes for recovery, trusting in the strength that defines the Filipino people, and all the volunteers providing on the ground relief support.

Thus, it seems appropriate that today's #TravelTuesday be about the hope that guides us - through the good times and through the darker ones.

10 Things to Obsess About in Australia

I was sitting in front of my scratch-off map recently, running a coin across the country of Australia and as the turquoise color hidden behind the gold revealed itself, I was struck by a thought: 

As much and as far as it feels like I've traveled, the reality is that I've barely taken a bite out of what the world has to offer.

There's a certain satisfaction in crossing off destinations from the imaginary list in my head, yet when one steps back to look at the bigger picture, that list becomes less about crossing things off - and more about valuing the experiences themselves.

This is why I never lose that feeling of awe when walking the streets of a new city, when chatting with the locals, or learning about the best place to try new beers (you can take the girl out of Colorado…). I'm fortunate to work in a field that combines a job I love with experiencing life as a traveler, and I try to never lose sight of that.

That being said, I had the opportunity to spend two weeks in Australia for WYSTC at the end of September and I'm still obsessing over all that I came across. From Sydney to Melbourne, to Canberra and Newcastle, there was something to smile about around every corner. Given my limited time in the country, I'm sure there are many things I missed seeing, which is why another trip is absolutely necessary. Until then, I have the memories to tide me over.

Whether you're planning an extended trip or a short jaunt, here are ten obsession-worthy things to discover in Australia, in no particular order. Fair warning, this list is as quirky as my personality ;) 

Three's a Crowd: You, Me, and Jane Austen

Faces on the Road - made possible thanks to Jane Austen & you!

When you work in the field of international education, most if not all the entirety of fall is consumed by making university visits and attending regional conferences. So here we are. All together again at the end of October, and finally taking a deep breath as winter encroaches upon Colorado. 

In the months since I've posted on WWJaneDo, I've celebrated the marriage of one of my younger sisters, traveled to Australia for WYSTC, moved apartments, and connected with many new and familiar friends on the road. A whirlwind? Yes. But the kind of whirlwind that keeps a smile on my face after every adventure has concluded.

As I settle into being home in Colorado, it struck me a bit by surprise this week to receive a unique notification from my LinkedIn account: it was a message letting me know that October marked the three year anniversary of What Would Jane Do. It was enough to make me smile once more. To some, three years might not be much, but this anniversary continues to hold a special place in my heart and in my professional life.

Girl in Transition: Two Years & Counting

"Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again."    

- C.S. Lewis

I've always loved that quote. I like to think that as you get older, it's discovering the magic in reality that makes for a true fairy tale. If we can discover the happy endings in every obstacle and challenge that comes our way, it's safe to say that one never really has to outgrow fairy tales.

Earlier this week, I marked my two year anniversary with GoAbroad.com and it's been a fairy tale of the best variety - filled with ups, downs, moments that made me laugh and cry, and the kind of learning that comes with a job you truly love.

Working in international education isn't everything I imagined it might be - it's more. It's more work, more persistence, and more passion than even someone as obsessed as myself thought it would be. And I'm not even close to done learning or connecting with others who dedicate themselves to international education opportunities. 

This is what they call a girl in transition. Or something like that. And on this #ThrowbackThursday, I'm jumping back to take a look at two of the biggest lessons I've learned about international education so far. Grab your coffee or tea. It's about to get all sorts of introspective up in here.

Tuesday Travel Inspiration: Dreams

Have you ever had one of those mornings when you wake up from a dream, and no matter how hard you try to recall the details, they continually slip out of reach? Then at some random point mid-day, you're struck by a sense of déjà vu and clarity. 

I find that life tends to work in the same fashion as dreams, in that it's only when you take a step back from the finer details, the entire picture comes into focus.

Ever since returning to Colorado and following up with connections post-NAFSA and TBEX, I've been thinking a lot about the big picture, and how all the "details" experienced at both those conferences helped remind me of what it means to be an international educator. 

I should start by saying I've always admired those who are able to sell their belongings, travel the world one continent at a time, and document their experiences along the way. Actually...admire is a tame word - "jealous" is more appropriate. To live as a nomad, to really experience the world and its cultures - I mean, what isn't there to admire about that lifestyle? Of course, it isn't always glamorous - I've read enough blogs and traveled enough to know that - and like everything in life, there is more to it than meets the eye. Still, it was dreams of being a travel blogger that fueled much of my early motivation to travel.

Six Ways to Shine Like a Diamond on LinkedIn

I feel like I've been living on LinkedIn more often of late. Not only because I enjoy the platform so much, but all the recent changes and developments with LinkedIn have me thinking that being on this platform is more important than ever. 

Whether you're a college student, a post-grad, or have been a working professional for years, it's time to tune into how to make LinkedIn work for you.

My colleague, Kayla Patterson, recently featured a guest post on her blog about why it's important to be on LinkedIn (highly recommend reading this if you haven't already!) and it's inspired me to follow up on that post with some tangible ways to sparkle on the platform - or shine like a diamond, as Rihanna so eloquently phrases things. 

Why? Because as someone who was hired for my position through social media, I understand how hard it can be to walk the line of transparent personality and professional employee. To achieve balance, it takes a lot of practice - as well as a healthy dose of trial and error.

It doesn't matter if you're new to the platform, or already quite experienced, these tips should help add some extra pizzazz to your digital footprint!

Annual NAFSA Conference & Expo - Meme Interpretation

I'm going to preface this post with the note that I'm in the thick of NAFSA planning, TBEX planning, GoAbroad Innovation Awards prep, and getting over a nasty bit of a cold bug. It's safe to say that these factors combined have made me more than a bit loopy of late. (Not that that is anything out of the ordinary.)

Perhaps that's why I spent my Sunday night putting the following meme together after preparing for all that comes with a pre-NAFSA-Monday-in-the-office. Those of you in international education will know exactly what I mean ;)

In preparing for the 2013 NAFSA conference, there has been much excitement in the air at the GoAbroad offices. From getting ready to meet new people and old friends, to celebrating innovation and new programs, the Annual NAFSA Conference & Expo is like prom for international educators. We may not wear ballgowns, and are apt to choose Dr. Scholl's inserts over platform heels, but celebrating international education with thousands of delegates from around the world is part of what makes our world go round. 

We all know, though, that the pre-, during and post- NAFSA experiences can also be overwhelmingly stressful. My advice to you: don't let it get the best of you! There are so many awesome things to experience at NAFSA, that it isn't worth letting the stress ruin those moments. Easier said than done, I know. This is where a bit of humor comes in to save the day.

Please keep in mind that this meme is made in jest and good fun. When your stress levels are high, and your Google calendar is looking like it's going to explode out of your computer, any sort of lighthearted humor is necessary to get through the day. I mean, am I right, or am I right? 

For all you NAFSA-ians out there, enjoy. I also suggest stocking up on green tea, comfy shoes, and expectations of many 12 to 15 hour days ahead at the end of the month. Be seeing all yo' faces soon! Happy travels!

Shameless promotion ahead: if you're a social media enthusiast who will be at NAFSA, consider showing up for the #TweetIEs to earn prizes and connect with other social media gurus in the international education field.

 

On the Road Again: Reflections from the GoAbroad Bus

Jumping for joy near the border of Montana

After almost two years working as the Outreach Manager for GoAbroad, I keep wondering if my job will ever stop surprising or motivating me. I'm thinking not. Especially when one considers that I'm currently writing this post from a beautiful mountain town in Montana.

I've confessed to having "itchy feet" syndrome more times than I can count, as it's difficult to imagine being in one place for an extended amount of time. There are always the questions of what else is out there, what's waiting to be explored, and where is the next place I can call "home?"

The longer I live in Colorado and work for GoAbroad, though, I'm extremely fortunate to experience the best of both worlds: having a home base in a place I love, and traveling to a variety of interesting destinations. Most recently I've been exploring Montana while on board the GoAbroad Bus, and the awe-inspiring views are causing some internal reflection.

Bear with me as those thoughts become external declarations ;)

Breaking the Mold: A Career in International Education

No travel or study abroad experience? You aren't alone. There are plenty of individuals and post-grads out there who dreamt of making it a reality, but were often limited by circumstances. 

It doesn't mean you still CAN'T have meaningful travel experiences, though. Just the opposite actually. To help fuel your own dreams of traveling abroad, and having the courage to make it happen, I'm featuring an interview with one my colleagues at GoAbroad.com and the Founder of SocialMediaforStudents.com, Kayla Patterson.

Kayla sat down to chat about why she didn't study abroad, how it's actually helped her in her role within international education, and where social media comes into play! 

Why didn't you study abroad? How has it affected your current outlook on travel?

Ultimately I ended up not studying abroad due to my somewhat nontraditional college experience. Knowing that I wanted to get through college with minimal debt, I got my Associate's Degree at a community college and transferred it into my four year degree at Colorado State University. And honestly, I didn't even know that I could study abroad while I was attending community college. By the time I was a junior at CSU, studying abroad would have postponed my graduation - mostly because I wasn't taking classes in preparation for it.

A Golden Year: 25 Life Lessons in the Making

And suddenly we're nearing the end of January 2013. Can someone remind me when we even got to 2013?? Once again, I've fallen a bitttttt a lot behind with posting some updates over the last couple of months - but it turns out this must have been meant to happen as the last two months have wrought more changes than I anticipated the New Year bringing.

If you know anything about me, you'll already know that I'm a fan of ongoing New Years resolutions, whether they're new or old. More than anything, it's the spirit of motivation and reflection that I enjoy the most about a new year. After partaking of an adventure to the Philippines, to finally re-connecting with family at home during the holidays, to most recently celebrating my 'golden' birthday, there have been a variety of highs and lows that have me thinking 2013 will be anything but boring.

In the midst of all these events, I've taken to thinking more deeply about how they've affected my life and the path I'm on to who-knows-where. Some might call them life lessons. Some might call them a cluttered braindump in a public space. Both cases could be argued for ;) In accordance with it being the year of my golden birthday, I'm going with 25 life lessons to share (organized in no particular order). It's a good a number: enough to incorporate all the things I've learned, but not so many that you'll be dozing off by the end of this post. Or maybe you will. If that's the case, grab a pillow, sit back, and get comfortable. What Would Jane Do is about to get a bitttttt a lot sentimental.

A is for Asia, B is for Bring it!

That's right folks, What Would Jane Do is headed for Asia today (the Philippines to be exact) for a much anticipated work conference! After a full season of domestic travel, it will be brought full circle with this international jaunt. 

Added to that, I've been looking forward to finally meeting coworkers I've only ever communicated with through email and Skype - and the day has at last arrived. The only thing more excited than me may be my passport - to say it's thrilled to be out of hiding is an understatement. And yes, I just gave my passport human-like characteristics. Deal with it. An overactive imagination combined with very little sleep will do that.

With layovers in San Francisco, Hawaii, and Guam, it's going to be a verrrrrry long day of travel before we arrive in Manila. There will be photos to come following the conclusion of our 10 days in the country, so stay tuned for updates! In the meantime, here's wishing you all a very happy post-Thanksgiving weekend. If it was anything like mine, it was filled with all sorts of good food and even better memories - including the part where I decided I was athletic and walked away with minor bruises after playing some good ol' night frisbee. The fact that my father calls me an "academic athlete" for more reason than one is never going to take hold, I suppose.... ;)

Happy travels!

Too Cool for School? Ya, Try Again

It's nearing the end of the fall travel season for me, and I've been thinking a lot about kids.

Whoa, what? Back up, hold the phone….what does that even mean?

Let me give you some context as an appetizer: I've always believed that there are so many amazing things to be learned from kids, particularly those entering that stage of becoming a teenager. 

And I'm not just referring to the latest lingo or acronym--despite how ridiculously addictive I find "YOLO." What I'm referring to surpasses 'nbd' 'ttyl' or any other urban dictionary addition I've overlooked.

Let's be honest with ourselves - we all are intimately familiar with the awkward transition from 'child' to 'teenager.' (Thank you, mom, for refusing to let me paint my bedroom walls that neon lime green I was like, sooooo in "love" with. No, really...Thank you.) 

Terrible taste in colors aside, the changing idea of 'self' that accompanies becoming a teenager is amazing. It's a time of learning about who you are, making mistakes you'll laugh at (hopefully) years later, and opening your eyes to the world around you.

During one of my recent travels, I had the chance to chat with a group of young teens in middle school about study abroad and international education opportunities, and it blew my mind in more ways than one. See where I'm going with this thinking about kids thought? Awesome. Enough with the appetizer. Let's dig into this entree.

If Happiness is a State of Mind, Why Change It?

They aren't kidding when they say time will fly when you aren't paying attention. I've heard that saying more times then I can count--and certainly believe it--but I never truly understood it until recently.

A little over six months ago I arrived to Colorado from California to start an exciting new career, and build upon the amazing experiences I'd already accumulated. Some days, it feels like no time has passed at all; on others, it seems like just yesterday that I was pulling up with a U-Haul to my new apartment. In between that spectrum, there are a range of memories and moments I wouldn't trade for anything.

The question is, though, if you've “arrived” to where you've worked your a%* off to be, what's next? How do you sustain the happiness and success you've found? Is it even possible? Here is my answer to that: 

Back in Black...Metaphorically Speaking

As you may have noticed (or not noticed if you don't even read this blog!), it's been a good couple of months since my last post. What started as a short break in order to focus on my new job at GoAbroad.com quickly became a challenge to even keep up with!

If you know me at all, though, it's these kind of challenges that I thrive the most with. That being said, I will be back tomorrow with a new post about all the occurrences and lessons learned over the last couple of months. It's been a roller coaster ride of discovery and emotional ups and downs---pretty typical I suppose when you're still trying to find your way in the world. 

In the meantime, you can find me over writing on the GoAbroad Blog where I get my fix of talking about all things travel related, and working with other bloggers who feel the same! Looking forward to reuniting with the blogosphere SOON :)

What Would Jane Do Turns One – And It's All Thanks to YOU!

23 years and not much has changed in the sense of humor department

A year ago today, I was a few months fresh out of college, living at home, working a part time job and wondering how the heck I was going to jumpstart my life. Not too long after that, I landed an internship with MSR Communications in San Francisco and began a three month commute to and from the city.

It was on these long, solo drives that I began brainstorming what eventually would become What Would Jane Do. Initially, it was simply an idea to keep myself writing, but it didn't take very long until I realized that a blog could also be an ideal self-marketing tool. And so began the adventures of the last year. To say it's been a roller coaster ride is like calling Jane Austen just another English author: UNDERSTATEMENT.

Travel Lessons from an Amateur Road Warrior

Ah travel, how loveable you are--at least most of the time

Have you ever made a mistake that you thought had a simple solution, yet it came back to bite you in the you-know-where at least a few times? Oh yes, we've all been there. And as I've discovered, it usually happens when you think you've got everything handled. Is it just me, or is it really starting to stink of irony in here?

After my latest adventures to Virginia and Georgia for study abroad fair visits, there is one very important lesson that I have been reminded of:

DO NOT MISS YOUR FLIGHTS 

...But if you do, make sure you have a self-depreciating sense of humor to handle the roller coaster of emotions ahead...

A Splash of Southern Comfort & Jane Austen

Up close & personal in Auburn, AL

I've been asked more than a few times, what are the things I love the most about Jane Austen? And of all the answers I've given, one of my favorites is that the way she writes about people transcends even her own time period. I don't think I need to point out the longevity of her popularity to prove my point. 

Even if you aren't a fan of her novels, Jane's characters are a lot like you and me--flawed, imperfect, worried about life's mundane details and perhaps just looking for someone who gets it.

I shouldn't be surprised at this point that Jane Austen can still sneak up and inspire me. As I recently returned from my adventures in Alabama, I was struck by the realization that wherever my travels take me, Jane is always there to offer some guidance. 

And after the experiences I had throughout the southern landscape of Alabama, that guidance was much appreciated.