Gap Year Walking Adventures and Self Selected Independent Experiences

What is your favorite travel memory?

Since I was fourteen I have traveled to many U.S. States and Europe, but my favorite travel memory is from the summer after my high school graduation when I visited Greece. Being able to explore the different islands and take in the beautiful landscape and Greek culture was an experience I will never forget. There is nothing like reading a book by the Mediterranean Sea or walking around the Parthenon taking in ancient Greek history.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

Working for Trek Epic and being a former participant on the company's walking adventures has not only given me the opportunity to experience the cities and countrysides of various European cities but a community of people who I would not have otherwise never met. The people I have met working for Trek Epic allowed me to gain more empathy for others and their unique life stories. Discovering my own purpose and helping others do the same propelled me to start my own company, EVOLVING Guide Co., where I guide individuals through the Core Gift Discovery process and establish intentional goals.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

The best story I've heard from a Trek Epic student was from a young woman who participated on a walking adventure in Wales prior to embarking on a gap year in Australia and New Zealand. During her trek, another student was enduring the pain of blisters from her shoes that had not been broken in, and this young woman lent her hiking shoes and proceeded to wear her Chaco sandals for the remainder of the trek. This act of generosity made me smile and reminded me of the beauty of the growth one experiences along the path.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

One of the coolest aspects of Trek Epic is that the walking adventures the company offers take place in different locations across Europe. The trek along the Pembrokeshire Coast trail is one of my favorites. Wales is a down-to-earth country that not only makes you feel right at home with its kind locals and eclectic charm, but the natural terrain along the coast is serene and breathtaking.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

Trek Epic was born from the idea that everyone deserves the chance to go on an epic adventure and discover more about themselves regardless of where they are in their life or their means to do so. This is what makes Trek Epic unique; the opportunity it provides to students from all different backgrounds going through various life transitions. Trek Epic provides an experience to slow down, reflect, and figure out all while becoming a part of a community that lasts a lifetime.

On a trek in Italy, I was especially proud of my team when we made it through a blazing hot day in Tuscany. The mileage for the day ended up being longer than we had planned for and the weather was exceedingly hot for April. I am proud of how well we were all able to keep in good spirits despite our knees becoming weak and eventually running out of water with two miles left to our destination for the night.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

There are many ways to measure success, but I personally find measuring success based on the amount of joy something creates or brings you is the most satisfying. Thus, I believe a company can be deemed successful when they are able to bring joy to the work they are doing. The people behind Trek Epic not only bring their shared knowledge and skillsets, but they are passionate about helping others along their way of self-discovery.