Hey all and welcome to my blog!
Some stuff about me: My name is Emily Kincaid (“Kink” is a nickname I was given in high school and it just stuck!) I am 24 years old, born and raised in Massachusetts, USA. I grew up in a small town and then went to University of Massachusetts, Lowell to study nursing. I have been working as a nurse for about two years now, starting in adult medical surgical care, and now working in maternal/newborn care. I love dogs, in particular my family dog Delilah (yellow lab, super cute). Staying active is very important to me, and I am constantly changing up my fitness routine. I have some amazing people in my life that I am truly grateful for. Lastly, I enjoy trying new things and getting out of my comfort zone.
My career as a nurse has taught me a lot about life and the human experience, and I am super passionate about helping people. I learn a great deal from my patients, and meet people from all walks of life. However, I always find myself longing for something more. I crave experiences that push the boundaries and teach me things I never could have imagined learning about. Don’t get me wrong, I love my job. I just don’t want to be put into a box labelled “Nurse.” When I tell people what I do for a living, they usually assume that I grew up wanting to be a nurse, and that I have already achieved all my wildest dreams. The funny thing is, I never once said the words “when I grow up, I want to be a nurse.” All I knew was that I wanted to do something meaningful with my life, and not just work to pay the bills.
I discovered nursing in high school as a potential career path, and soon fell in love with the idea that I could help people through the moments of difficulty, pain, and vulnerability. I put in the hard work for four years, and got my Bachelor’s degree in nursing. Over those years though, I realized I had another immense passion competing for my attention. I studied abroad in Costa Rica after my freshman year, which was my first time out of the country, and traveling solo. I met other students from all over the world, learned to live amongst another culture, and went on some wild adventures. I overcame my fears and got out of my comfort zone, and it left me feeling so in awe of myself and the world around me. The spark was ignited within me, and I just had to have more.
After graduating college, I took another life-changing trip, this time to Tanzania, Africa with a sustainable and ethical volunteer organization called GIVE. I was able to connect with other like-minded people from all over the world and help support and empower the most incredible local communities. When people say travel changes a person, it could not be more true. Seeing how other people live, experiencing unfamiliar culture, and taking on brave new adventures are driving forces that cause a person to grow in the most positive way imaginable.
It was upon return from Africa that I realized I now had a passion so strong it rivaled that of my passion for becoming a nurse. This passion bubbled up in me so strongly, that I started to question the path I had chosen for myself. Maybe if I could go back and start again, I would pick something more geared towards this new passion? The feelings of doubt and uncertainty were so overwhelming that it ate away at me for some time. Then, shortly after I began my first job as a nurse, I realized something. Why should we confine ourselves to just one passion? My love for nursing has not changed, and this excitement and drive to experience the world is not going away any time soon. So now, with my future ahead, I continue to love my job AND make time for travel and adventure. This is why I have decided to write this blog, in the hopes that other people like me out there can know nothing is impossible if you can dream it. My goal here is to document some of my personal experiences, inspire others to see the world and pursue their dreams, provide helpful travel info, and give back whenever I can.
So friends- if you have a dream, follow it. If you come across a boundary, find a way to push it. We are all humans who make mistakes, learn, and grow. Don’t be afraid to get out there and pursue what makes you happy.
“Your dreams are a poetic reflection of your soul’s wishes. Be courageous enough to follow them.” -Dr. Steve Maraboli
EmilyKinkTravels 