Zachary Goodwin, class of 2023, has decided to travel the world. He is very passionate about traveling. Read more to find out about his journey.
Q: What was your experience at BHS like?
“I’d say the BHS impacted me the most when I involved myself with activities and sports that really brought my confidence level and enjoyment up, which definitely came a bit later in my junior and senior years. Activities like track, the musical, and jazz band (only added my junior year) are what I would have loved to do all four years; I’m grateful that I was able to do them when I did.”
Q: Why did you decide to travel the world?
“It wasn’t apparent what I would do after I graduated; you could say I procrastinated a bit with my next step. It did finally take shape that Mexico was the right place for me to go, because I yearned for a massive shift in what my daily life could be like, and I had a desire to really speak Spanish and not simply say that I took a class once in High School. I also saw it as a ministry opportunity and a way to strengthen my relationship with Jesus, which has ultimately been the primary reason for my departure. I made great leaps in my Spanish and learned a lot about life on my own when in Mexico. Once again, with the direction not being clear towards studying a field yet, I chose Colombia this time. I think it’s a win-win because I already know I love learning and being in Latin America. I’m still definitely curious about what I’ll do next.”
Q: Where have you visited so far?
“I have visited Mexico, Colombia, and Latin America. I’m again still curious about what I’ll do next.”
Q: Which is your favorite out of them all?
“So far I absolutely love being in Colombia. Culturally, I think most Colombians, and especially the family I’ve been able to spend time with have been quite caring and supportive. Although, I did meet two of my best friends in Mexico and we had epic camping trips by the beach, so for now it’s unclear.”
Q: Where are you right now?
“Spending time in Mexico and now Colombia has really shifted and challenged my worldview and how people live, as there isn’t always one single system that works for everything. Additionally, the diversity of the people I have met since living in Mexico has opened up my eyes about the different potential directions I could take my life. To name a crucial example, in everyday life in the U.S., we’re heavily dependent on cars for transportation. Cars are awesome and give us freedom, but they aren’t the only way to move around. Buses, taxis, and even urban (vans that carry people) can only be fantastic and convenient. In many ways, they’re also much more affordable.”
Q: What are you going to do after you complete your journey?
“Currently I have my eyes on Trevecca Nazarene University. It isn’t set in stone, but I do see it as a great location for potentially pursuing another skill while playing music with other eager students. It could also continue to develop my walk in Faith in God, not as a way around difficult circumstances, but through them. I don’t know much about what I’ll do after returning from South America, but I’m beginning to believe at this point that it’s just a tendency of mine.