Roadtrip Nation

Last night I was sitting at the Egyptian Tea Room, a coffee shop right near the campus of San Diego State University, having dinner with a friend. We were sitting outside on their patio sharing an impressive (i.e. it had the presentation and taste of a distinguished restaurant at a fraction of the cost) dinner of salmon, cucumber salad, couscous and grilled vegetables (which is beside the point, but like I said before, women have to share with the world when they find a good deal).

We were sitting on the patio which, as the only fault of the Egyptian Tea Room, happens to overlook the noise and busyness of College Avenue. However, as we were sitting there chatting we noticed what presented itself to be a Dr. Seuss type monstrosity driving by. A huge neon green RV holding what appeared to be the California Generation Y version of Animal House rolled by. As it did, one of the 5 blonde surfer boys stuck out his tongue and blew his mouth onto one of the windows, just for us. Needless to say, we felt nothing short of special [sarcasm] and being totally intrigued, we made it a point to check out www.roadtripnation.com which was plastered over all sides of the RV.

I was a little surprised that I had never heard of project. Somewhat of a PBS Real World, but with more of a purpose than to get into trouble and bear all on national t.v., Roadtrip Nation partners with colleges all over the U.S. to basically take students on road trips and "explore how other individuals found their roads in life."

The movement we're trying to ignite is simply one of exploration. We're challenging our generation to find the open road. To expose ourselves to all the different ways we can live our lives before we get focused on a so-called career path.That is exactly why Roadtrip Nation exists: to open our generation's eyes to the many paths that exist so that we can find roads that accentuate our individuality. Not stifle it.

We've discovered that one of the best ways to explore the world is to simply ask others how they got to where they are. Whether it be the guy next to you in the coffee shop, someone you read about on this website, or a CEO that you cold call, listening to others describe how they found their paths in life will help you find yours. It broadens your scope, opens your mind, and exposes you to paths that you never knew existed.

Just a few minutes before we saw the bus I was talking about how I don't take the time talk to strangers enough anymore. I've had some of the most moving and eye opening conversations with people I've met in coffee shops, on the street, in restaurants. Here we sit, in our respective niches of the world, with the opportunities to make each day an experience on the open road; to learn more about who we are and where we're going by dialoging with the people around us. How often do we take the time to listen to the stories about the roads that brought them where we are? I'll be honest, it's because I'm lazy and selfish that I don't do this more. We'll see where the next roadtrip takes me.