Labrie's travels shape her perspective

When Josie Labrie went to the UK at the age of nine, she was amazed by a toy store displaying stuffed animals bigger than herself. Now a senior in high school, Labrie reflects on the numerous travels she has had since then. And, dear readers, they are numerous. Take a deep breath and let’s see exactly where she has been.

Switzerland, Austria, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Germany, Spain (was that all of Europe?) Belize, Honduras, Mexico, and (inhale) Costa Rica. Oh, and the Bahamas. Can’t forget the Bahamas, her most recent voyage.

If all of that trapezing between countries and continents sounds exhausting to you, when asked if she ever hated traveling, Labrie replied, “Not really. It’s amazing to see new places or to be able to.”

While there were some language barriers (and a scary time at a German amusement park “swarming with wasps and bees”), the voyages were worth it since Labrie attended a rigorous British school that offered limited free time. The nearly two months she got for summer vacation meant she needed something “fun and exciting to do.” As she would discover, traveling was just that.

Furthermore, Labrie explained that when living in Europe “you have to see as much as you can.”

The European continent is arranged in a way that numerous countries are within driving distance, so taking a detour into Austria when driving from Switzerland to Germany is completely doable. To put the closeness of countries in Europe into perspective, going from Ohio to Kentucky is the equivalent of going from France to Italy. This was a reality Labrie has lived, a reality few of us here in Aurora can truly imagine.

There is more to going from country to country, continent to continent than simply sightseeing and bringing home key chains as souvenirs. Labrie returned to the United States with a lasting impact. She was surprised by how nice people of other countries were to visitors.

“I feel like there is a thought out there that when you visit places the locals are mean,” says Labrie, “but they aren’t.”

For those with the mindset that they would be unwelcomed in a foreign country, Labrie’s experiences proved that this mindset would only hold one back from the joy of being in new places.

“They have taught me to love traveling and different cultures. They also taught me to try not to judge because we saw so many different people and things that it makes you realize that if you judge then what does it say about you?”

Labrie reminds fellow travelers to be open-minded and adventurous. “There are somethings I did not want to do, but my parents wanted me to so we did and it turned out amazing.”

Surely there will be more adventures in Labrie’s future. “I would really like to go back to Switzerland or go to Australia. I have friends in both places and it would be fun to go back or to see them.”

Wherever she may go, Labrie is sure to return with experiences to share and lessons learned from cultures all around the globe. Bon voyage!