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Jennifer Gutierrez

Period 1
Adventure, Selflessness, Wisdom
"I now congratulate the Class of 2015 from Pacific Coast Academy on their success and wish
them the best on their future endeavors. Your faculty and administration are proud to announce
that you are finally alumni. We wish you the best in life."
I take my graduation cap and toss it into the air carelessly. "Finally" I murmur under my breath. I
have spent the last 12 years of my life with my nose placed within the crevices of AP books and
Saturday nights within the library.
"Savannah!" Melody, my most beloved friend approaches. Melody has been through it all
with me, the long nights studying, the terrible school dances where we sat with each other and
coped with the reality of high school boys together and the embarrassing moments with family.
She was a psychologist in training and she spent all of our years of friendship devoting her time
and expertise on me.
" We finally did it! tonight we celebrate! drinks on me at the bar, see you later!" she says, and
takes off into the swarm of excited teenagers and proud families.
As time dwindled on and countless conversations with family came to an end, I was more than
excited to reunite with melody and celebrate our time together. By the time I got to the bar she
was more than prepared to drown me with drinks. We spent the entire night conversing and
reminiscing on the good times we've had. When the clock struck at 3:00am we decided it was
time to go.
We decided to continue our conversation at my house and enjoy a few movies together. It was all
okay until we caught the remainder of "The Breakfast Club" This movie depicted high school in
the type of way where you wished to reenact every scene of it with those you love and I couldn't
help but compare my life to that of those in the movie.
" Do you really think we enjoyed high school to the best of our ability?" I ask Melody
absentmindedly; "Do you really believe that we lived through some of the best years of our life
thoroughly ?'' countless questions run through my mind as Melody and I sit on my bed. Now
that I truly reminisce, I've come to the realization that the best thing I did in high school was
microscopic in comparison to the grand adventures most students have. Every Monday I walk
into school and discover that the vast majority of the student body all attended the "clich'' high
school parties I dreamed about attending. I never had the opportunity to share one last dance
with someone, I never experienced what a real life high school sweetheart felt like and most
importantly , I did not leave a foot print where I spent the vast majority of my life. I walked
through these halls mindlessly, everyday, for five days a week, only to be acknowledged by

teachers and others who shared a classroom with me. Before I leave for school, I must go on an
adventure. I need to experience life and I need to do it now. I pull my laptop onto my lap and
begin my research on traveling.
Melody is watching me frantically.
"Savannah, what are you doing? please explain to me what is going on" I'm babbling and I
cannot stop. A rush of emotion overcomes my body and I cannot begin to fathom the
unexplainable. Melody, had a different life. She was very well known and acknowledged by
many; she was beautiful and popular, she was everything I was not. I did not ask for her
approval, I didn't want it. I knew what had to be done. In an instant, she grabbed me in her arms,
wished me luck, grabbed her belongings and left.

Dear Mom & Dad,


First and foremost I'd like to thank you for all of the wonderful things you have done for me. The
unconditional love and support which has motivated me throughout the years is very well
appreciated; nevertheless, I'm writing this to inform you that by the time you read this I will
hopefully be out of this country. I will hopefully be boarding a plane to an exotic island or
running through the roads of the Netherlands. I know this sounds insane but please understand
that this is something I must do. I NEED to travel, I NEED to love, I NEED to acquire
knowledge and wisdom, I need to experience life. This is not your fault, nor do I expect you to
comprehend my motives; what you need to know is that I love you and I will be back soon. But
for now, it 's a see you later.
With Love,
Your adventure seeking daughter, Savannah
Daylight breaks and I know that by this time my parents have received the letter. I know for a
fact that they have re-read the letter over and over again looking for some sort of explanation;
but the truth is the explanation can only truly be understood by those with the same burning
desire that is found within the deep darkness of ones being; The burning desire which draws
adrenaline and a craving for a taste of a different life.
I wander through the endless corridors of the airport, subconsciously wishing that the universe
will conspire in an attempt to satisfy this soul-defying craving to experience everything this life
has to offer. I stand, with a blatant stare across my demeanor and helplessly wonder what I have
gotten myself into. My heart says Rome but my mind says Brazil. I want to look back and think
of this moment as a point in time where I was intelligent.... Brazil it is.

As soon as I board the flight, I take my seat and impatiently wait for the arrival of the one other
person who will be accompanying me on this flight. As time dwindles on and nearly every seat is
filled I come to the conclusion that my future soul mate- as depicted in nearly every film
watched by hopeless romantics, will be the last person to board the flight and sit next to me.
I was right.
Within minutes, the most attractive man I have ever laid eyes upon wanders onto the plane. I sit
and stare impatiently, admiring his being. Is this really happening? could this really be it? He
strolls down the aisle and I admire every aspect of his being. His height catches my attention, his
clear face and brown eyes next. His style is relaxed -an open v-neck, low lying jeans and an
admirable set of men's jewelry. I can't help but wonder the type of person he is. As he begins to
approach my row, I cannot contain my excitement; I look out of the window in a very poor
attempt to appear as if I am not the most excited female on this flight. He places his bags in the
over head compartment and takes his seat.
I am sweating. As if I have never spoken to a man before in my life. I do not know what to do,
what to say, how to behave... and without a second more, my conscious puts on her "big girl
pants" and speaks.
"Hi, my name is Savannah"
"I'm Alex" he says, with the most exotic accent I have ever heard. I can't breathe. He is Brazilian
and he is the epitome of beautiful. I have never been in a relationship, so I guess improvised
small talk will do for now.
He is a firefighter, returning home from a casual family visit. He spoke with admiration, he really
did not mind the interrogation. This long flight led me to ask what his childhood was like. Half
way into my question his eyes became distant. His demeanor was cold and I truly wish I would
have never asked. I sink into my seat and hold my arms together. I had made a mistake. He sits
back and I know that he is thinking. What is going on in his mind I ponder. Is he mad at me, is he
mad about his past, what can I say or do. I wish melody were here to consult.
"Is everything okay I ask?" he stares blankly.
"I really didn't mean to ask- I thought you would just say something simple, I didn't mean to
trigger your mind into remembering the past"
"I'm sorry, you seem like a great girl but please mind your own."
I'm flushed. From head to toe, the fire within me is burning and I want to explode. Who gets so
angry and distant over one question. What is wrong with this man!? I sit angrily, and stare out of
the window again.

This flight feels like an eternal wander into the universe with no end. The silence grew between
us and I couldn't bare it. The silence grew deeper and deeper as we glided through the air and all
I could do was absorb it.
upon arrival, I took it upon myself to face this man once again and apologize for my
interrogation. we proceeded in our attempt to exit the plane and before you know it, he was gone.

Its Sunday morning and it's time to go on an adventure. I enrolled to go on a conquest through
the Amazon Rainforest. Upon arrival, I sign in and wait for our tour guide to arrive.
I cannot breathe. Alex. He is here. He is our tour guide and he is staring right at me. I hesitate, I
don't know what to do; do I approach him, do I smile and wave or do I just act lost- gosh I am so
terrible at this love at first sight thing.
"savannah" he says while approaching me.
"oh hey, nice to see you. I know this is odd, but please don't think that I am following you. I
believe we got off on the wrong foot, can we meet again?"
why does this man make me so nervous?
He agrees and we continue our route through the rainforest. Brazil is so incredibly astonishing.
The warm breeze trickles silently through the air, the warmth of the sun envelops my skin and
the sweet aroma of the evergreen landscape filters through my body through each and every
inhale. Throughout the walk, Alex and I have successfully become acquainted and quite honestly
he is quite the man. In the midst of our conversation we failed to come to the realization that the
tour consisted of only myself. In the midst of all the laughter and stories shared, we both knew
that there was more than just a sweet aroma in the air; there was a connection. Through the
breakdown of our boundaries we found a similarity within each other and an undeniable
attraction.
"I feel as if I have known you my whole life savannah.. you understand me and I'm blessed to
have met such an amazing girl"
We were meant for each other, this love will grow quickly and I refuse to cut the roots of this tree
without allowing the leaves to develop.
I have spent 3 weeks with Alex. Three weeks filled with love and adventure. from rainfalls and
long hikes, to surf boarding and scuba diving, we took it upon ourselves to try something new
each and every day. When skydiving came into the picture my fear of heights reached its tipping
point. I was an emotional wreck, withholding the line to jump off, I stood and hesitated to even
take the most microscopic step. Before I could even contemplate stepping away, Alex was
directly in front of me. He reassured his trust and confidence within me, he made me feel secure

and for the first time in my life I truly believed that I was witnessing love right before me. All of
these events have transformed the person I am and the person I am going to be. Alex is the
epitome of adventurous and I want this friendship to be the epitome of love.
Dear Mom and Dad,
Greetings from brazil! I hope all is well and I hope your heart didn't sink to the ground at
the site of my location. I can honestly say that this trip has made me such a stronger person.
Beginning with the variation of languages found within brazil to the hectic rush of cars on the
road. I have loved and let be loved; Alex is a great guy who has shown me what it is to live.
Without hesitation, I have backpacked my way through Brazil, I have learned how to adapt to
new areas and how to manage my own being. I have learned how to be adventurous and how to
live carelessly. That's all for now,
With Love,
Your now recently adventurer, Savannah
I don't want to leave Alex. he has taught me so many things about life and love. I wish I could
just pack him in my bags and take him away. we have developed something so real and I can't
thank the universe enough for allowing me to cross paths with such an adventurous soul.
I drop my bags and walk into Alex's embrace. I don't want to leave the memories and adventures
associated with brazil but it's something I must do. I give Alex a kiss goodbye and venture into
the airport.
Where to next?
I walk through the different terminals and create small talk with those traveling to Australia,
Greenland and turkey; none of which interest me. As I continue, I realize a boy around my age
sitting near an empty seat. I take it upon myself to join him.
"hi, I'm savannah and I'm seeking a moment of eureka" I say, in hopes of breaking the ice. He
stares blankly at me, analyzing my complexion. After What feels like nearly an eternity, he
speaks.
"Hi, I'm Jason I 1m volunteering With the children Trust and we are traveling to Africa."
merely a millisecond into his sentence, I knew where I was going; Africa.
I leave his company and vanish into the swarm of travelers in hopes of finding a ticket to Africa.
returning to the same area, I'm pleased to find that Jason is still here. I sit next to him and let the
flow of questions make ease into the undisturbed silence. introductions are much better with him;
my consciousness triggered a reminder in not getting too investigative. Jason doesn't say much

but definitely made an effort in trying to get me to volunteer with the Children's Trust. Since I
was technically alone and didn't have any plans, I jumped at the opportunity. I'm volunteering
with this organization and I will make the most of it.
Upon arrival, we were greeted and instantly transported to Zimbabwe; one of the poorest
countries within Africa. As time dwindled on in the car die over, I came to the realization that
this was going to be hard. I am not used to working with children-we don't get along, I am not
used to walking many miles just to find a source of water or a scrap of food. This was going to
be hard and I'm not sure how I will get through this. Our shelters are insufficient to withstand
any sort of storm, the water source is nearly 7 miles away and our beds are the durable, ground
of Zimbabwe.
I don't know whether to laugh at my poor judgment or cry over the fact that I am not going to
make it out alive out here.
"Savannah, it's time to get to work! grab a shovel and gloves; follow me" Jason says, with
enough positivity and eagerness to spread throughout every country in Africa. The goal is to
build new shacks for those living in this area, the children's trust is working towards building a
much more efficient version of their homes while integrating a small study area within the zone.
It is hot outside, I am fully clothed and starved. I begin to get to work only to find that a few
minutes later I have been covered in blisters as a result of the bolstering sun. not only is my skin
disintegrating but my clothes have been stolen. almost immediately I begin to rage and nothing
can stop me. everyone is watching my outbreak, observing my being, and making conclusions on
their perspective towards me. When I calm down I find Jason's eyes locked on mine with a
disapproving nod accompanying his disappointment. I rush over to him.
"how dare you freak out over such a small incident. the people who live here they dont have
anything. those clothes you wear, they will never be able to afford. the shoes you have will only
be attainable after a full year of hard labor. Your blistering hands are merely incomparable to the
sores these people have. Your problems are microscopic. Quit being a selfish woman and get to
work."
I stand in shock. what did I do? all of these people now think that I am the worst person to ever
step foot on Earth. I know that these people who live in these places are not used to seeing
people like us but that doesnt mean they can jump at the opportunity to snatch someone's
belongings, does it?
I contemplate my decisions and actions as I continue to work. Jason has only given me sharp
looks.
Returning to our camp, I take initiative and approach the members of the Children's Trust.

"I know some of you do not know me nor do you wish to know me after today's events, but
please realize that I am not used to this. I am an only child, my parents have always had a fairly
good job, my belongings have always been mine and I haven't really shared much with others but
knowledge." I step away and seek a reassuring approval from the crowd. all are pleased except
Jason,. As I walk back to our shelter I notice him lingering behind me trying to catch up. I slow
down my pace.
"savannah, can we talk?'' he says
"yes"
"why did you do that today, you didnt appear to be that type of person. I accepted you on this
trip in light of the passion for a taste youve never had in life, not to come to the realization that I
made a mistake. tomorrow we will be working with children and I need to know if you are
mature enough to handle it.."
"I know I came off a certain way Jason, but overreacting is part of my nature. It was easy for me
to do so, I will work on it and yes I can handle tomorrow."
Daylight awakens me and I am nestled within my sleeping bag. Pain spreads through my body as
if it were the blood rushing through my veins. outside there is a bus waiting for us and a jug of
water has been provided. I get dressed and claim my seat in the bus. We begin traveling and get
debriefed by Jason- the apparent leader of this mission. Today we will be tutoring kids and
teaching them how to dance and play sports.
At the moment of our arrival we are greeted by a parade of children jumping and yelling and
leaping to hug us. Such radiant smiles spread across their innocent faces and I can't help but
wonder what a great moment this is.
My student goes by the name of Amaka, which means noble; or that she knows well. we start
with basic English writing and I'm surprised at how compelled and marveled she is over
education. While tutoring her we both drift into a conversation regarding life and I am nearly
brought to tears. Her brother was taken from her to join some sort of army, her mother is
extremely sick and she lives in fear that the man who raped her will reappear in her life again.
how could someone so young be so bold? she has learned to accept and make do of what does. I
have grown so attached to this young girl in a matter of a few hours. all I wish for her is a life
where she won't need to worry about family because she will be living in a safer area one day. I
hope that such a bright girl like herself attends college and experiences the endless wonders of
life.
Jason has been lingering around, taking note of the work I've done. honestly, I'm quite impressed
and moved by the situation at hand; I have been motivated by Amaka in pursuing my own
dreams and live life as if every day were a blessing.

We continued on in helping others for a few weeks in Africa. Every day was a new experience
which aided in my direction towards selflessness. by the time I had to leave, I took it upon
myself to leave any other article of clothing or books I had. I didnt want it, nor did I need it. I
spent my entire life thinking that these materialistic things mattered; that they actually meant
something. In high school, I believed that every girl which had the same name brand shoes, bag,
and clothing was way more superior than I could ever be. Life is about living. There is simply
nothing else more to it.
Dear Mom and Dad,
Hey from Africa! Please dont freak out, I am fine. I have been volunteering with the Children's
Trust and truth be told, I am a changed person. From breaking barriers in brazil to attaining the
characteristic of being selfless, I have learned a lot in these past two months. I am ever so
grateful for this experience and I hope you are enjoying my improvement as much as I am. See
you soon.
Your adventurous selfless daughter,
Savannah
It's been a long two months filled with adventure and trying new things, but my time in Africa
has come to an end. I must go and venture down another path.
By the time we reach the airport, I take a few seconds and sit down. the last place I need to go to
has to be the right one. I need o think this through and ensure that it is where I want to be. All of
this thinking and no resolution, if it were melody she would have already had set her mind on a
location. "patience and understanding" I repeat to myself over and over again. where to go?
where to next? I wish the universe would just give me a sign.
spontaneously enough, I confront an elder woman and ask her where my next flight should be.
simply she responds, "go to India, find your wisdom and soul. You are young, break your
boundaries"
India it is.
Already on the flight I could tell that I have made a good decision. There us so much culture and
life in India that I have only seen merely in the works of a traveling channel on TV. Finally, I can
go to a peaceful garden and learn how to mediate or discover my true self. Upon arrival I find
concierge and book a hotel to stay at. The location is beautiful, the meditation room is
impressive, the botanical garden will have you at ease and most importantly you are at peace
even when its chaotic around you. The overall vibe of this area is just what a girl needs to find
her center. without a doubt, I find the concierge once again and schedule a consultation with
India's very own guru of life.

As I approach is services, I am intimated by what's to come. I know for a fact that he will know
me more than I know myself by just one look into my soul.
"hello my name is savannah and id like your help in discovering who I am"
"savannah, I cannot help you discover yourself, you must acquire that information through
yourself, through meditation, through enlightenment. If you wish to discover who you are, you
must be willing to drop every social class barrier, every boundary you have set up, any
stereotypical belief that is with holding your growth as a person. Only when we shed all self
definition do we find who we really are"
I stared at this man as if he had just told me the secret to life. He invited me to use his meditation
garden whenever I wished to and he demanded to see me again in three weeks time. I have to get
started on this transition to consciousness or else I will never attain it.
My first few attempts at meditation did not go too well. Bugs, noise, endless thoughts and
impatience all came upon me in nearly every attempt to be still. As time dwindled on and I
became impatient I got my things and left in the heat of the moment. Frustration came upon me
and I did not know how to cope with this feeling.
After several days in practice, I must say that I have finally completed my task in learning how
to meditate. I found silence from within, I learned each and every one of my chakras, I have
helped others learn the ways and I have impressed my little guru himself. When seated before
him he grabbed my palms and summarized my life. He said transitions were apparent, and that I
would have a long happy life If I proceeded down this road. words could not begin to explain the
amount of happiness and gratitude I feel for this man, for this experience and for this life. I am
happy and I am at peace, I have loved and I have lived. I am where I want to be.
Dear Mom and Dad,
Hello from India. Yes, I know it's hard to believe but I really am here and I am so delighted to tell
you guys about all of my recent discoveries. I will be home soon !
Your at peace adventure loving selfless daughter,
Savannah
It hurts me to think about all the adventures I've been on and all of the things I've experienced. I
do not want to leave this as a memory, I want it to be a part of my everyday life. I have to make a
decision on what I want to do with my life from this point on, and quite frankly I really wish to
travel even more. Yes, my parents will miss me, yes my friendships have washed away but the
reality of my being is to satisfy the soul that lies within me. This journey is not over and I will be
more than delighted to share this information with my parents.

When I finally get home, my parents leap at the sight of me. I can tell they missed meand I can
tell that theyve witnessed a change within me. Eagerly, I sit them down and explain to them all
that has occurred to me in the past few months. In a giant mixture of emotions, they are fulfilled
with happiness. Just as I am about to tell them about my future endeavors they have turned the
tables on me. I had almost forgotten that college acceptances had been mailed out and apparently
I am studying abroad in Paris. The expedition has not come to an end, and my life is just about to
begin. Another journey awaits me and this time, it will last longer than just 3 months. I am going
to travel the world and I am going to learn everything that I can.
C'est la vie.

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