Dear Young Explorer | Christian Tanja
Dear Young Explorer,
Thank you for taking the time and having the courage to read this letter. It is no small feat to think about your life beyond the horizon, and I commend you for taking steps to embark on this journey. I want to acknowledge this pursuit is a fearless example of self-love. Seeing value in yourself is a joyous act of rebellion against those oppressive voices out there. Therefore, I celebrate your commitment to further yourself and thus furthering your potential impact in the world. So once again, thank you for showing up and taking the time to read this letter. Onward!
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I know the world today is far from what any of us could have imagined months ago. Little did we know what 2020 had in store for us... That said, I am an optimist and look forward to better days ahead. From this crisis, I see a brilliant opportunity. While the world sits in suspense, wondering what the months ahead will look like, it's apparent to me that the Earth needs people to connect with one another more than ever. We need world leaders who lead with love and listen to all the needs of their people. This pandemic has revealed the fault lines within nations, leaving them exposed and out for the world to compare. With advancements in technology, we can now learn more about which cultures and communities across the globe are expertly handling this COVID-19 situation. I am inspired by leaders (especially the incredible women leaders out there!) who are building a better world that serves all. One common thread that I see of effective leaders is having an incredible drive to see the world — one that I hope to be instilled in you.
During this deep reflection time amid the coronavirus chaos, I am reminded of how far I've come. As a gay son of Filipino immigrant parents, I wasn't supposed to graduate from college. But I did, and I did not stop there. I held an overseas job, went on to graduate with a master’s degree, and am now living a dream life in one of the best cities in the world: New York City. As a young student, I never imagined my life to be what it is now, but I had to start somewhere. I remember first learning about the U.S. Declaration of Independence, which states “We are endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable Rights, among them being Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.” In my eyes, traveling is one of the most meaningful ways to check off all those boxes at the same time! So as a primer to the next few months ahead, here are five reasons for you to keep pushing yourself to see the world.
#1 The People. Meet people where they are. See what inspires them. Know what issues they care about. See where some of the magnificent ways they're working to make their countries, companies, communities, and cultures better. They are out there waiting to meet you.
#2 The Proximity. Get close exposure to as many different perspectives that you can. Learn how to walk in their shoes. Get used to disrupting your set of assumptions and challenge yourself to do this daily. In seeing the world through others, you will see more of how the world is, so you can find ways to shape it into the world you want it to be.
#3 The Places. There are so many to discover! Find out from different people what makes a home. Explore the different spaces and places that foster community and belonging around the world. Leave home. It'll tell you just how special home is. It may also surprise you to see how unique other places are in comparison. It won't work if you stay home.
#4 The Payoff. Things don't make you happy; experiences do. While it does cost to get to places, you don't need a passport to be transported to another world. Take this time to explore countries by any means necessary — Google, YouTube, social media, authors, pictures. Know that the value you get from learning about others will serve you in any job you do in the future.
#5 The Possibilities. Finally, be open to possibilities! Travel has taught me to be adaptable. Embrace the messiness, but enjoy the ride of getting through it. Know that once the impact of the coronavirus has settled, you'll be that much more prepared to take on your next greatest adventure. Here is to the many destinations and you have yet to conquer, and will do so gracefully by bringing your authentic self.
So now your homework assignment: Look into the process of obtaining a passport. Make a list of different, prospective destinations. Think about maximizing variance in geography and demography. You won't learn more by swimming with the same school of fish your whole life!
Lastly, I leave you with something I wished I learned earlier. Happiness isn't a thing. It isn't something that you just get, nor is it something that will stay put. So instead of harkening to America's forefathers (and foremothers) in the Pursuit of Happiness, travel has taught me to relish in the eternal Happiness of Pursuit. Invest in your experiences by traveling to reset your reference points early and often. Use your abilities to explore the world intentionally so that you can find ways to make it better. And ask yourself often: “Is it my calling to enjoy the world as it is or should I strive to make it better? I've learned that anyone can do both, and because of that, it is part of my personal mission to keep traveling. To change the world by finding world-changers, I have to get out there to see it for myself. I hope you do, too.
Sincerely,
Christian C. Tanja
Admissions Outreach and Selection Officer, Schwarzman Scholars
