To Be, or not to Be - by Emlyn Lee

1/29/201011:24:12 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

I just celebrated another birthday, and while I am totally amused, or perhaps confused, at the thought that I am in my “upper thirties”, I genuinely embrace each day and look forward to growing from the challenges life throws my way. Besides, does age really matter anymore? I mean, isn’t 60 the new 50, 50 the new 40, and so on?  And while I may be feeling the physical aspects of aging, I wholeheartedly embrace the spiritual, mental and emotional benefits of getting older and wiser.

I am constantly seeking out my life’s calling and purpose and would love to hear what you feel is yours.  Why do we often ask people, “What are you doing?”, but seldom ask ourselves and others, ”What are you being in life?” 

Through the years, I have developed more awareness of what my purpose is, and traveling has been a key factor of that discovery. I am a first generation Chinese-American. I was raised in an insular suburb in the United States, and until I graduated from college, I had never been abroad. I can still remember how excited and scared I was on my first trip out of the country (to teach English in China, no less) and how much that trip broadened my view of the world and my sense of connectivity in it. I haven’t looked back since that trip and have spent the past 15 years working, teaching, volunteering, and traveling around the globe.  Sight-seeing and learning about local history are interesting to me, but they are just the tip of the iceberg as far as what I love about traveling.  I love having long conversations with new people, trying foods that Andrew Zimner of “Strange Eats” wouldn’t recognize, and spending the day getting lost in a neighborhood (figuratively and literally—I have THE worse sense of direction).

Travel has shaped my life and I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to combine my passion with my profession. Cultural Embrace has allowed me to be a bridge that leads others to discover the world in a purpose-filled and meaningful way. I love talking about issues with people who have different world viewpoints, examining the ways in which our lives are similar and different, and learning from those experiences.  My personal motto has turned in to my company’s slogan…“Discover the Similarities – Share the Differences”.

If traveling is something you are passionate about, and it is on your list of things ‘to do,’ I invite you to contact Cultural Embrace with any questions you have. We are experienced and well-informed on where to go, what to do, and how to do it. We understand that everyone has a different path in life, and that also includes the way you choose to travel.  This is why Cultural Embrace customizes our services to assist you to a unique trip geared toward your interests.  We want each trip to be the experience of a lifetime.

Are you are a student who wants to go on a gap break, earn academic credit, or gain some professional and life skills?  Maybe you’re a professional who wants to experience a native culture beyond guidebooks and panoramic city tours? Perhaps you represent a school or company that is looking for a fun, exciting, and meaningful teambuilding challenge? Cultural Embrace has programs that meet each of those needs and more.  We organize opportunities for individuals and groups to immerse within the local communities they are visiting, through volunteering, interning, working, teaching, taking cultural classes, and traveling abroad. Our programs range from 1-52 weeks in Africa, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Europe, and Latin America.

Travel opens a window. Are you ready for some fresh air? Discover something new about yourself through a meaningful travel experience. The more we seek, the more we learn about abundance, zest, and adventure…and isn’t that what life should 'be'?