Being born in the United States, we’re handed pocket aces in the biggest card game--LIFE-- and I believe we have a duty to go out and earn the life we’ve (fortunately) been given. There is no other choice. Getting my passport at 18 and traveling across Europe with complete freedom sparked a fascination for culture I have yet to shake, nearly 10 years later. I have wanted nothing more than to continue living a life of utter connection and immersion, all in an effort to better the lives of others and give genuine thanks along the way for all I’ve been given.

I have always been drawn to what’s around the next corner while making sure to soak up the present. On that first trip to Europe, I became enthralled with the idea of seeing life from another perspective and in engaging with different opinions to broaden my experience and add more color to my “life palate.” I welcomed every bit of difference and every discomforting situation by telling myself to learn to become comfortable with the uncomfortable, knowing I’d grow stronger (and of course have awesome stories to share!) and hopefully more aware of my place in the world. When you break the routine and encounter the unknown with an open mind, you naturally adapt to your present circumstances (some needing more time than others) and adopt habits you otherwise wouldn’t consider, let alone experience, in your normal routine, the result of which can be compassion, patience, endurance, humor and a more conscious perspective on the bigger picture.

I happily graduated from Bucknell University with a priceless education, but can easily say I learned more about myself and the world around me while traveling outside my comfort zone than I ever did inside any classroom. 

Fast-forward 5+ years and in addition to graciously joining Holstee (a company I only imagined could exist prior to this past October), I recently cofounded the Nomading Film Festival with 3 friends to share our collective passion for traveling with the world, connect like-minded people, and to inspire others to weclome adventure as well. 

We believe travel stories caught on film are some of the most entertaining, educating, beautiful and authentic, and that these stories should be shared, acknowledged, and awarded. We think of travel less as a leisure activity and more of a chance to explore the planet and engage those living therein. And with the recent boom in video with the iPhone, Flip cameras, and point-and-shoot cameras, we now see everyone as a filmmaker and encourage passion over production. 

We believe traveling shapes us, traveling defines us, traveling connects us. We live to travel anywhere, at any point, during any season, on any continent, to explore the unknown, and we love sharing these tales with anyone that will listen. 

Well, now we are listening and we can’t wait to watch. Come share your stories with the world and inspire the masses... and take a shot at winning a 10 day trip for 2 to India! 

Happy travels+shooting from the NoFF crew! 

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