Since my time in college, I’ve always dreamt of taking a gap year and trying van life but I always put it off, until this year. Recently, I embarked on an enriching 6-month journey to travel North America living in a truck camper, covering over 16,000 miles and visiting some of the most stunning national parks the United States and Canada have to offer. I meticulously planned for this journey over the course of 2 years, where I saved up money, built out my camper and vehicle, and envisioned my route. I finally set off in March 2023 for a trip I will never forget. My favorite highlights include seeing a rocket launch in Cape Canaveral, camping on the beach in North Carolina, riding a downhill mountain bike in Whistler, BC, and soaking in a natural hot springs deep in the mountains of Idaho. I have a tremendous sense of pride and accomplishment, and I feel ready to rejoin the workforce with new direction and energy.