What I Learned Along the Way

My recent drive from Tucson to Alaska and back again followed by a vacation in Mexico was truly the “trip of a lifetime.” Some of the reunions along the way allowed me to recognize the extent to which friends and I have affected each other’s lives. I also had a chance to spend time with clients who have become friends. All of this led me to see what a difference you can make in people’s lives through the relationships you form.

My trip really began when I reunited with several Peruvians in New Mexico, and it culminated in Mexico, where Beth and I spent time with Steve Stryker and his daughters, Alexa and Chloe. Steve and I met during my freshman year, and his family effectively adopted me.

So, what did I learn about myself on the trip?

First of all, I recognized that I had kept an agreement with myself to travel and to reconnect. As a result of this trip, I now have the experience of having driven as far north as Fairbanks, Alaska and as far south as Santiago, Chile!

I also learned how important travel and adventuring has always been to me. It’s part of my identity. I believe I will always meet amazing people who may well have an impact on my life. I had a number of such meetings, including one with a man on a bike traveling from Los Angeles to Juneau, Alaska; when he saw my University of Arizona lacrosse jacket, he introduced himself as a U of A graduate. Later, after ziplining in Mexico, we met someone who had just graduated from the U of A school of law. What a small world!

As planned, I saw many of the people I grew up with, and I realized why the decision I made to see them was so important. I learned how much my experiences in Peru shaped my worldview and affected the rest of my life. The way I—actually, the way we—grew up was unique. In some ways our Peruvian community was like a small town because we knew most, if not all, of our neighbors. However, it was different from a typical small town because its residents were from all over the world. I was exposed to multiple worldviews and attitudes, which developed my ability to be comfortable with lots of different worldviews. That’s part of what made me the coach I am today.

I also learned that time is valuable. The way you choose to spend your time speaks to what you think is valuable at the moment. If you experience yourself squandering your time or not using it in a way that serves you, change what you’re doing. This is particularly important if your future timeline is shorter. Of course, you never really know what your future timeline is!