Favorite Interview? Keith Stegall and Atoosa Rubenstein
Quote of the Trip? 2 quotes: "What’s the worst thing that could possibly happen to you if you don’t do what you’re 'supposed to do?' " -Sharon Lee, founder of Look-Look "When you’ve got the time, while it’s on your side, follow some dreams. Or follow one. Take the shot. Try it, because 20 years down the road, you might not get it back." -Keith Stegall
What were you up to before Roadtrip Nation and why did you go on the Roadtrip? I was finishing my third year at the University of Chicago. I was at a point where my life was standing still. Many of my peers seemed so sure of what they would do after graduation; the majority of the paths ended with law school, medical school, graduate school or finance. I, on the other hand, wasn’t sure. Prior to applying for RTN, I had applied for at least 10 summer internships through our career center but hadn’t received a single callback. My mom was encouraging me to think about law school, but I wasn’t sure I was interested. Though I was thoroughly enjoying my college experience, I felt anxious. I hadn’t given much thought to what I was really interested in or passionate about; instead, everyone’s well-intentioned advice swirled in my head --- I heard “the noise.” I went on the roadtrip hoping to gain some clarity.
What was the Roadtrip like? Was it what you expected? What was it like to return from the Roadtrip? The Roadtrip was amazing --- thrilling, eye-opening, life-changing. To be able to spend five weeks traveling across the country with your two best friends – how could it not be a definitive experience? Diana, Erica, and I made a point to make our experience of each place we visited as authentic as possible. We researched our destinations and garnered advice from locals regarding fantastic food and local must-sees. However, our experience speaking with so many accomplished, intriguing, and enthusiastic people who took a genuine interest in our personal stories and goals was absolutely incredible – this was the life-changing part of the trip. It was a bit strange to return to “everyday” life after five weeks so intense. After the amount of self-reflection that occurred during the trip, I returned with a sense of calm – I knew that whatever my next step would be, I would be okay.
Where are you now? What are you up to? After RTN, I knew in my heart that I had to pursue a career in the music business, which meant that I had to move to Nashville after graduation. I think a lot of people thought that I had lost my mind. When I graduated, I didn’t have a job lined up nor did I have a pending acceptance to a prestigious graduate school. I moved back home to Cincinnati briefly and literally sent my resume (with a synopsis of my story) to every place I could think of in Nashville. Success did not come quickly. Often, I felt discouraged and thought that maybe I was crazy. However, at the very end of the summer, I was set up with Alan Jackson’s (big country star) manager in Nashville, flew out to interview for a position as her assistant, and was moving to Nashville the next week! I worked in Nashville for almost two years. I learned a lot, had a fabulous mentor, and got to work on some really cool projects. However, I decided that I did not see myself working in the music business for the rest of my life. I definitely think that my RTN experience gave me the confidence to walk away from a job that many would have killed to have and pursue a career working with young children, something that I have always gravitated towards. I am currently in my third year of teaching Kindergarten in Washington D.C. I am finishing up my Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I find my job to be the most challenging thing I have ever done; I am drawn to how dynamic it is and how much room there is for growth and reflection. I plan on teaching for a few more years and then possibly effecting change through larger scale education policy work. Lately, however, I have been obsessed with food, cooking, dining, sustainable agriculture, and food-writing. I can definitely see myself pursuing some kind of food-related work down the line – whether it’s as a side hobby or perhaps even a full time career. Who knows?
What was the biggest challenge on the road? Hmmm … the biggest challenge? I would say maintaining good hygiene. No, seriously. As the first all-girls team, we had a healthy interest in showering that our male counterparts did not seem to share. Our RV shower/bathroom was not functioning at any part of the trip so we got pretty creative. We were pleasantly surprised to find that if you go into a roadside hotel, look sufficiently downtrodden, and explain to the person at the front desk what RTN was all about (and how five weeks traveling in an RV posed hygienic challenges), more often than not, the friendly hotel employee will offer you access to a recently checked out room and shower. We also took a full shower (with razors and all) at one of those beach showers – you know, the ones intended for rinsing sand off – classy. Very classy.
What was the defining moment of your Roadtrip? For me, the defining moment of the roadtrip came after our interview with Nashville producer Keith Stegall. I had been thinking about what I was really interested in up until that point in the trip – country music was always on my mind. Talking to a very successful producer (in a recording studio!) who did not take a conventional path into the music business armed me with the confidence that I COULD do the same. I COULD move to Nashville. With enough heart and persistence, I WOULD find a job in the music business. At that moment in the trip, Nashville became more than just a lofty dream – it became my clear next step. It became real and possible.
How has the Roadtrip influenced your life/decisions since you got back? I do not think it is an exaggeration to stay that my RTN experience truly changed my outlook on life. Above all, it imbued me with an amazing sense of confidence. I genuinely believe that with enough persistence, passion, and hard work, I can do anything. I want to emphasize that this is not quite the same as the clichéd “You can do anything you put your mind to.” Really, that phrase needs an addendum: You can do anything you put your mind to IF you are willing to work your ass off and not give up when the going gets tough.” You have to be ready to work your tail off and have a skin tough enough to be rejected over and over. (Atoosa Rubenstein shared with us that rejection is just someone’s opinion – and people’s opinions are just distractions.) This confidence, along with the inclination to really listen to myself (and not settle for less than what excites and challenges me) are products of my experience on the road.
What advice would you give to future Roadtrippers? (About life stuff or life on the road, or anything for that matter.) On the road: Talk to locals. Try to get to know every city as best you can in the short time you have. Find something in each place to fall in love with. In life: Be fearless. Be confident. You can pursue anything you are passionate about IF you are willing to work your tail off. Listen to yourself.