Mind Soup

Every time we travel, we bring something home with us. Sometimes it is a photograph. Sometimes it is a memory. Sometimes it is a new perspective that quietly changes the way we see the world. But what if the things we bring home could carry a deeper meaning? What if a simple bag, a handmade piece of paper, or a cup of coffee could tell the story of a person, a community, and a tradition that has survived for generations? In March 2025, I had the opportunity to accompany a group of students and faculty members from Illinois State University on a learning journey to Nepal focused on fair trade, human rights, and ethical production. Having worked in international programs for several years, I have seen many different forms of global engagement. But this experience offered a unique perspective: looking beyond the beauty of a destination and understanding the people, skills, and communities behind the products we often take for granted. Nepal is a country known for its breathtaking landscap...

“The best journeys are not measured by the places you visit, but by the people who become part of your story.” Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to travel to many countries and experience different cultures, communities, and ways of life. Every journey leaves something behind: a lesson, a friendship, a memory, or sometimes a completely different perspective on the world. In March 2025, I had the privilege of joining a group of 17 students and faculty members from Ursuline College on a 12-day service-learning journey to Nepal. It was my first time visiting the country, and while I was excited to explore a new destination, I quickly realized that this experience would not be defined by the places we visited. It would be defined by the people we met. Through my work with United Planet, I had spent years helping share stories of volunteer experiences around the world. I understood the logistics, the planning, and the mission behind these journeys. But being on the ground reminde...