Backpacking through Europe was not an out-of-the-ordinary idea for Jaskowiak and her friend who have always dreamed of experiencing this trip. “One of my oldest friends and I have always dreamed about going to Greece. She called me one night asking me what my plans were from June 27 through mid-July … surprisingly enough my parents said yes, with no hesitation, fate,” said Jaskowiak.
Jaskowiak is more than ecstatic to leave for Europe. “On a scale of 1 to 10, I am a fifteen. You have no idea how pumped I am to go backpacking. [I’m] not going to lie, I’ve had a running countdown since January and now we are into only forty some days before departure,” said Jaskowiak.
Given the opportunity to travel to other countries gives Jaskowiak the chance to learn about different cultures. “I am so excited knowing about all the knowledge I will gain. Also, it will be interesting traveling to Turkey, where it is predominantly Muslim. I will be experiencing three distinct cultures, and it will be fun to compare them side by side. Also there obviously should be some sort of spiritual growth in the trip,” said Jaskowiak.
Having been given the trip of a lifetime, Jaskowiak will have to travel light, yet appropriately. “Being a girl in a foreign place can be a little intimidating, so I need to make sure I follow the cultures of the places I am going to,” said Jaskowiak.