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April 22, 2015 by The Young Leader

Five Amazing Countries for Generation Z & Millennials

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In today’s age, it’s pretty easy to get caught up in the simplicity of exploring the world from our fingertips. With almost no time, effort, or money, we can use the internet to transport ourselves halfway across the globe and experience virtually all that a place has to offer. But that’s the thing, “virtually.” By forgoing the actual travel, we miss out on some of the most incredible aspects of the experience, and deprive ourselves of the opportunities and challenges presented by physically leaving what we find comfortable and venturing out into the unknown. It’s intimidating and nerve-racking, sure, but that’s what makes these adventures so exciting! They’re unpredictable, and can often lead to some of the most amazing sights, sounds, memories, and friendships. So as we continue to move through life, let’s look for and seize as many of these opportunities as we can, and if you need a few great places to start, try checking out these Five Amazing Places for Gen Z & Millennials:

China

As such a large and diverse country, it’s almost more difficult to not start an adventure here than it is to stumble across one. Whether you favor major cities, like Shanghai and Beijing, or the most remote places on Earth, like the jungles of Motuo, you can find almost any setting to match your ideal destination. Plus, it’s really easy on the wallet! Average prices in China are much lower than in the US, and for only $0.30, you can ride the subway or buy an entire meal!

Fiji

While many people have heard of this collection of islands East of Australia, not many seem to know much about it. For example, did you know that it has an incredibly prosperous economy, thanks in large part to a wealth of natural resources, and is home to almost a million people? Fiji has a number of other amazing characteristics, and some of the best can only be discovered by venturing around some of the 300+ beautiful islands belonging to this archipelago.

India

Unfortunately known by some as impoverished and densely populated, India has an incredibly rich history, and a uniquely vast culture that will take you far beyond its appearance. When visiting, you can travel anywhere from the mountains that border Nepal, to the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal or Hampi, which rank among some of the most beautiful historical structures in the world.

Indonesia

Another extraordinary place to visit in the Asia Pacific is Indonesia, a country known for one of the most active volcanic regions on the planet, as well as an impressively biodiverse environment, being home a variety of species like Tigers, Rhinoceros, Leopards, and Orangutans. But the diversity doesn’t just happen on land. Indonesia has one of the most varied aquatic environments as well, so next time you visit, try snorkeling above one of its many coral reefs.

Thailand

Just north of Indonesia is Thailand, and this country is not only home to one of America’s favorite foreign foods, but it also some of the most unbelievable ruins and villages in all of the Asia Pacific region. If you’ve ever seen an old James Bond movie, and wondered where those beautifully sharp-faced islands reside, try exploring the frequently visited islands just off the coast. You might recognize the scenery!

But wherever your journey begins, make sure to do everything you can to absorb the settings around you. Computers, and the internet, are amazing technological advances, and have provided a wealth of knowledge, but some of the best things can only be experienced by being there in person.


Contributed by Spencer Scholes

Filed Under: Latest Posts, Wanderlust

April 22, 2015 by The Young Leader

Unusual Foods Every Bold Teenager Can Eat

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Sometimes it gets old having chicken, mashed potatoes, and peas twice a week for dinner. Well here are some new ideas to try for next time – only if you’re willing. Teens can cook! We promise (even if it’s easier just to hit up Chipotle for the hundredth time, these items will be worth your while).

Spaghetti Taco
We’ve all heard of spaghetti and tacos, but what about the combination? Nothing sounds better than spaghetti you can eat with your hands and the crunchiness of tacos. Add some hot sauce or Siracha to spice things up!

Mac and Cheese Pizza
Pizza is perfect how it is, but pizza with even more cheese sounds better! Make a batch of your favorite mac and cheese and place it on top of the pizza, then put the pizza in the oven. That is cheesy goodness! Why doesn’t Little Caesears sell this?! Or any popular pizza place for that matter? These are important life questions we must address.

Cola Drumsticks
Soda and drumsticks combined? Cool! Instead of using the typical sauces on meat, mix it up with your favorite cola product (Coke/Pepsi/generic… doesn’t matter). Who said meat couldn’t be sweet?

PB&J Dog
Everyone loves a good old-fashioned PB&J, but what about with a hot dog inside? Yep, that’s right! Take that hot dog bun, slap a layer of peanut butter on each side followed by jelly, place your hot dog inside and there you have it. Add some banana slices too if you’re looking for a twist.

Peanut Butter and Mayo Sandwich
Maybe you don’t like jelly or the PB&J dog mentioned earlier isn’t for you. Well this is! Replace the jelly in a PB&J with mayo and there you have it. Sweet and salty!

Doughnut Burger
Most have seen this food item before, whether Snapchated or talked about amongst friends. But hey, if it’s that popular it must be that good! Instead of using regular hamburger buns, cut a doughnut in half and use each side! Maybe you like sprinkled donuts or maple bars; either of those will work too! Let your imagination run wild!

Popcorn Cereal
Take that hot bag of popcorn out of the microwave, pour in a bowl, and add your favorite milk. Try mixing it up by getting caramel popcorn or chocolate milk, whichever is your favorite. Try eating this for breakfast instead of your typical cereal (just try not to eat this more than once a month – at least if you’re trying to stay fit).

Grapes and Ranch
If you’re a ranch lover then this one is for you! Pour some ranch on a plate and dip those grapes into it. Or if you really love ranch, just pour it in a bowl, throw the grapes inside and spoon them out.

Nutella Fries
Fries and Nutella are easily devoured on their own. So why not dip your fries into Nutella? You’ll get a sweet salty taste and have both of your favorite snacks in one. Just try to leave some Nutella for your friends to dip their fries into too (or they may get hangry watching you with your food).

Icing Dip
If you’re looking for a sweet alternative to hummus then this is it. Icing dip is just icing, but dip-able. Dip cookies, candy bars, or even carrot sticks (if you want to be at least the tiniest bit healthy) into the dip.

Cheesy Brownies
This doesn’t seem like it would taste good but it really does. Crunchy brownie ends with gooey cheese inside. Chocolate and cheese lovers unite!

Candy Sushi
Sushi is always delicious, so why not follow up the usual sushi with candy sushi! Just take those sour candy strips and wrap Swedish Fish, Skittles, or Reese’s inside to curb your chocolate sweet tooth. Talk about a quick and tasty dessert!

Olive Oil Ice Cream
This sounds weird but it is definitely worth a try. Spoon out some ice cream; pour olive oil on top and mix. The oil makes the ice cream creamier and the flavor ten times stronger!

Olive Candy Bar
Just like grapes and ranch, this is a great snack. Melt some chocolate in the microwave and throw some sliced olives in. Refrigerate it for several hours and then take it out to eat. You’ll have a chocolate olive candy bar! If olives aren’t your thing, then try sliced pickles instead. The more people you gross out, the more that’s left for you to enjoy (because you know all the tasty secrets).

Cookie Monster
This brings frappes and milkshakes to a new level. Take your favorite flavor of ice cream, and add ice and Oreo cookies. Blend it together and you will have one sugar rush!

Avocado Coffee
If you don’t want as much sugar as the cookie monster, then try the avocado coffee. Take some freshly made coffee and blend it with an avocado for a frappe texture, coffee taste, and healthy alternative that will impress your parents or older siblings.

 

Do you have ideas for crazy bold foods you think everyone should try? Share them with us in the comments below!


Contributed by Samantha Watkins

Filed Under: Be Bold!, Latest Posts

April 22, 2015 by The Young Leader

What Careers Can Teens Explore That Involve International Travel?

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“What would you like to do after high school?”

The bog-standard response to that soul-crushing question often follows along the lines of, “I’d like to travel.” Of course, many parents tend to roll their eyes at such a wishful statement—traveling is costly, making it a naïve goal—yet there are plenty of occupations that actually pay for you to travel.

A clear career choice for those who love traveling is to become a tour guide. Every city that attracts tourists is in need of tour guides. Spending your day exploring a lush metropolis like Athens, London, or Shanghai is a dream job for many people. Of course, you will need to research your city extensively; it would be wise to cultivate an understanding of the areas culture, history, and public discourse. In order to succeed in this job, you should be able to interact well with other people. It might be a good idea to ask yourself, “Am I a ‘people-person’?” If not, then this job will quickly become frustrating. Introverts beware!

International aid workers perform proficient, charitable service abroad. Those who work for aid organizations, like the Peace Crops or USAID, seek to improve living standards in underdeveloped areas, whether that is through education, health, or economic stability. It’s a respectable, rewarding career, one that provides philanthropic international services that help alleviate natural disasters, war, and famine across the board. Not for the faint of heart, but certainly for those with an eye for social change.

Travel nurses have the opportunity to travel (either within their country or internationally). Travel nurses temporarily fill open positions when and where they’re needed. Emergency room nurses, operating room nurses, labor and delivery nurses – these are just a few example of the positions that are in perpetually high demand across the country and internationally. It’s an exciting opportunity that yields the opportunity to build a relationship with esteemed medical professionals everywhere. If you’re passionate about public health, this is a path to consider.

As an ESL teacher, you’re able to travel abroad and teach English to age groups ranging from kindergarteners to high schoolers. It’s common for ESL teachers to receive free accommodations while working abroad, which could easily make it a thrifty venture. Talk about saving cash! Most positions require a bachelor’s degree at the very least, yet you’ll earn more if you also have a master’s. So if this is something that’s of interest to you, you better study hard in high school and college – it will be worth the effort if you’re a traveler through-and-through.

Jobs that involve travel certainly aren’t for everyone. For instance, many people are a little too dependent on routine – people are comfortable with comfort. And traveling is far from comfortable – at least for the truly rewarding kind. It can be stressful, taxing, even arduous—yet it will almost always make an impact – on you and on others – something that can render any drawback unimportant. If you’re anxious about settling too early, the only true remedy is to travel.

Filed Under: Bright Futures, Latest Posts

April 22, 2015 by The Young Leader

5 Countries in Central America & the Caribbean to Visit before College

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School is out and a summer full of possibilities is ahead of you. While most of your friends might be getting jobs as camp counselors, working at the local diner, or doing SAT prep, why not dare to be different and take an adventure to discover a new culture or improve your Spanish. Don’t know where to go or think traveling anywhere of note is too far? Here are some places to check out that are right in America’s backyard.

1. Guatemala
Can’t decide if you would rather spend a day amongst centuries old Mayan ruins, go adventuring in a giant lake or climb up volcanos? Then why not do all three in Guatemala! With a countryside full of natural wonders and manmade cultures to explore, Guatemala is the perfect place to get a taste of everything that Central America has to offer. Yet even after all this sightseeing, at the end of the day, your best memory might be about that great deal you brokered in the market all because your Spanish impressed the shop keep.

2. Costa Rica
Why not visit a country where you can spend your morning at a beautiful waterfall in the jungle and your afternoon playing soccer with locals on the beach? With a vibrant landscape to challenge you physically, and a hearty group of people to engage in cultural exchanges with, come see firsthand why Ticos are proud of their country and come back home as an honorary member.

3. Mexico
If you love Salsa both ways—eating and dancing, then Mexico is the perfect place for you. With a rich fusion between ancient and modern cultures and an even tastier food culture, you will be hard pressed to find another country with as much nourishment for your brain as well as your stomach anywhere in the world. If you’re up for an adventure, ask for some Tacos de Lengua on the street.

4. Dominican Republic
Though it might be known more for its all-inclusive resorts, there is more to the D.R then just frozen drinks with cute little umbrellas attached. Come explore the side of this country that most tourists don’t see by volunteering with local villages and helping out beautiful wildlife that looks even more spectacular up close than what you see on Nat Geo HD back home.

5. Cuba
Have the unique chance to both see living history of a gone-by-era and make your own history by being one of the first to visit Cuba since the 1960’s embargo. With the US opening up travel with our island neighbor, be one of the first to take in the sights, sounds, and Cubanos of a nation eager to share their world with a new generation of Americans.


Contributed by Matt Zonis

Filed Under: Latest Posts, Wanderlust

April 22, 2015 by The Young Leader

Summer Love for College-Bound Students

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According to the mass majority of adults, college is the time of your life, but high school is just as fun, and without the added responsibility. With that in mind, there are six great ways high school students can make the most out of this coming summer, without losing all the fun of being a high school student. College students tend to deal with lots of financial difficulties or circumstances that can become stressful. Having to learn how to do laundry, cook, clean, or manage time accordingly can grate the brain. Taking time during the summer for both play and preparation will ease your mind as you head into college.

1. Work a Part-Time Job
This may seem like a way to ruin a summer, but part time work doesn’t have to take up more than a few hours each day. Working a simple twenty hours a week will allow for a small but suitable income that can be saved for the future. A job also improves any resume by showing that while other kids were becoming couch potatoes, you worked instead. Talk about ambition!

2. Attend a Camp out of Your Comfort Zone
Summer camps, sport camps, any and all kinds of camps. There are at least half-a-dozen different camps open every summer for at least a week or two. Attending a camp may seem like child’s play, or boring when you could do something else, but there are excellent personal skills one can learn from attending. Plus, new experiences broaden horizons and make other things easier to adapt to in the future. After all, when you eventually reach your first evening at college, you’ll want to share the spontaneous experiences you had the past summer, instead of talking about those all-night marathons on Netflix.

3. Apply for Every Scholarship
Once again, college is more expensive than most students expect. There are student loans available for many, and parents can help with the expenses if they’re financially able. Yet, there are personal expenses that may not be considered when applying for loans. For one, at Texas A&M University, all on campus dining options close around 8 p.m. with a few exceptions lasting until 10 o’clock. This makes things hard for late night study sessions, so extra cash comes in handy just to go out to eat a few times or pick up some food if you’re ever in a rush to get somewhere.

4. Shop for the Future
This may seem contradictory to applying for scholarships and getting a job, but whether attending college in a few years or in a few months, some household items are more expensive than others and can add up very fast. For one, if a TV is desired for your future pad, they can easily cost anywhere from $150 to over $700, depending on where and when you shop for one. Printers, comforters, and kitchen items may not seem very expensive on their own, but if you’re buying them all at once, oftentimes people will settle for price instead of searching for quality. The coffee maker that lasts you four years through college will be your best friend, so choose well!

5. Take a Few Summer Classes
This might be rather redundant considering summer is a break from school, but taking courses over the summer will keep your mind agile, while making the coursework during the school year a little less rigorous. This will come in handy in college, as finishing off classes that you can’t take on during the fall or spring semester can even help you graduate early (and save some money in the process).

6. Work as a Counselor
This will present new opportunities, as well as resume builders. Counselors get to meet new people, help others, and (hopefully) spend much of the summer out in the sun. Sure, the kids may be a bit rambunctious, but when has that ever stopped you? After all, you’re a risk-taker, and you don’t want to spend your high school summer behind a counter. Spend it instead on a playground or by a lake and pocket some change while you’re at it.


Contributed by Author

Filed Under: Bright Futures, Latest Posts

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