Currently...

I work at The Intern Group in Santiago de Chile. We have programs based in London, Madrid, and LATAM (Colombia and Buenos Aires). My job is to interview candidates and evaluate them to see if they are eligible for our program. I speak with college students from across the world. Last week I spoke with students from 6 different continents (if you know someone living in Antarctica let me now!)

Before I escaped...

Before The Intern Group, I was studying at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in Accounting and Finance. My career ambitions were to become a financial planner (like everyone and their mother!). After graduating from school, I took a trip to Tanzania with my brother and dad to hike Mt. Kilimanjaro. When I got to the summit, something 'spiritual' happened and I knew that my life would be different than what I had originally planned for. Two weeks later, I left to go to Israel on Birthright. Spending a month in this beautiful country gave me an appreciation for the peace that America offered, but also disgust for our prioritization of commercial values. 

My moment of truth...

I was at work one day, and very bored. I was in the midst of studying for several financial licences to sell securities, and extremely over it. I subscribe to Escape the City, but don't always read the newsletters. This day, however, changed my life! When I clicked on your top 10 opportunities link, I saw an opportunity to work for The Intern Group. Immediately, I sent my resume and cover letter over to them. It was probably the most passionate cover letter I had ever written.

I received a message from them that same day, and had an interview two days later. First round was easy, because it was just an informational interview. Second round was the test. Since Chile is 5 hours ahead of California, they had scheduled me at 11 AM in Santiago meaning I had to have the best interview ever at 6 AM via Skype!  

Planning for it...

Within a few days of receiving a job offer from The Intern Group, I went into my boss's office to let him know that I was leaving. I was afraid he would be upset with me and our relationship would be permanently damaged. His response, "Wow, that sounds awesome! Have a great time in Chile!" We've become good friends ever since. 

In terms of packing, I spent 3 days planning how to pack my life into a suitcase, duffel bag, and day pack. It was a meticulous process, as I took inventory of each article of clothing and possession I owned. I carefully evaluated the necessity of everything I packed in those bags, and was able to bring all of my stuff for free via LAN Airlines. 

When I got to Chile, I was essentially homeless and started work 2 days after I had arrived. During this time, I crashed on a very kind co-worker's couch and lived out of my bags. 

The worst and best bits...

Best - feeling liberated! After I set my mind to Chile, I've never been so self-confident and full of energy. My life has improved dramatically, and it has everything to do with following my dreams. 

Worst - the uncertainty of everything..I was feeling very stressed prior to and upon arrival in Santiago. However, time has taken its course and I now have a month under my belt in Chile. Life is just continuing to get better :)

Best advice...

From my brother - "Open mind, open heart."
From my best friend - "Live."
From my mom - "You have to do this, because you believe it is what you were meant to do."

These three people in my life have fueled my fire to explore and experience life in ways otherwise not possible. 

Useful resources and information...

Escape the City
Lonely Planet's "South America on a shoestring"
"The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho