Fifteen and Fabulous

 Dear Maggie, 

You are currently weeks away from finishing your freshman year of high school. It's been a very fun and very full year. You went to an outdoor adventure camp, white-water rafting down the Klamath River. You played singles for the JV Tennis team. You participated in the homecoming parade and went to HOCO with an amazing group of friends. You have earned outstanding grades. You have joined a community volunteer organization and campus clubs. You have made new friends and you have strengthened old friendships. But, to me, the most remarkable notice throughout this first year has been your newfound sense of confidence. 

As a family, we have just returned from a spring break trip to Costa Rica. It was a week complete with ocean kayaking, white sandy beaches, and plenty of gallo pinto. This past summer, we explored Italy: we marveled at majestic frescoes, walked among ancient ruins, and ate our weight in gelato. For this upcoming summer, we have a tentative plan to road trip around New England and Eastern Canada, and many a dinner conversation centers around our future travel plans. Clearly, our family loves to travel. This is one of our favorite ways to connect with each other and to learn about the world we live in. 

The definition for wanderlust is a simple one: A strong desire to travel. And you, my darling girl, have inherited your mother's wanderlust. You have grand plans to study Spanish in Chile and to hike the Andes mountains. You plan to backpack across Asia and to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. And after your World Geography class, you are ready to cruise around Singapore. You are adventurous, open-minded, and curious. You find languages fascinating, and I am constantly amazed at how easily you pick up the local dialect and phrases in various languages. You love exploring the different street foods and looking for stories in the cultural norms of a location. You drive us to think about our travel footprint: urging us to give back to the local economy, stay in sustainable accommodations, and use local travel operators. 

Did you know there is a gene related to those with a thirst for travel? New research shows DRD4-7R, nicknamed the "wanderlust gene," impacts your dopamine levels and has been linked to an increased level of curiosity and restlessness. According to research, those with this gene seek novel and new experiences. And I have no doubts that you are part of the 20% of the population who carry this gene. You fall into the category of those with a deep-seated desire to put foot to pavement and explore the world through all five senses. 

I firmly believe that this burgeoning wanderlust is what has significantly boosted your confidence. At a basic level, each of your travel experiences provides you with an opportunity to learn new things and develop new skills. It fosters a sense of independence and self-reliance and pushes you outside your comfort zone. Plus, your travel experiences have exposed you to diverse cultures and perspectives, strengthening your empathy and communication skills. 

But for a girl who loves to travel, you are also a homebody. You love nothing more than a quiet weekend at home, one that includes plenty of time reading, puzzling, and crafting. A favorite Saturday night includes homemade pizza and a few episodes of Young Sheldon. You thrive on routine and structure. Home is a place for you to recharge, think, and create. Charles Dickens wrote, "Every traveler has a home of his own, and he learns to appreciate it the more from his wandering." You, my love, are bound to have a life full of passport stamps, but this endless wanderlust will make you more aware of the beauty and the comfort of home. 

And remember, I am always happy to sit on our living room couch together, scouring the internet for cheap flights and planning our next adventures together. 

Love, 

Mom