I can’t help but feel a level of responsibility for the actions of the unconfirmed owner of the anti-Islamic YouTube video owner, which caused the tragic deaths at the U.S. Embassy in Libya, including U.S. Ambassador to Libya, Chris Stevens. I feel guilty because I’m left thinking, how could we have fostered such a person?

I am sorry for the anti-Islam YouTube video.

As Americans and global citizens, we should realize trite and nonsensical actions only create a more difficult world in which we all have to live. Obviously the individual(s) who created, posted and support the anti-Islamic YouTube video is responsible for the subsequent actions; but as an American, should you feel responsible for the anti-Islam YouTube video?

Sounds absurd, because one man’s words should never represent all of America. Moreover, as Americans we should not take the actions or ideals of certain groups in other countries to be representative of the population as a whole.

America is not based on hate; we are the all welcoming land of the free. We believe in certain freedoms and rights, which is what binds us together. No matter how much apparent irony you see in the contemporary idea of American freedom, it is the one ideal that should never change. Especially the freedom to speak your mind. Our freedoms bind us together.

Unfortunately, when we have a free individual like Nakoula Basseley Nakoula, whom reportedly claimed responsibility the anti-Islam video under the name “Sam Bacile”, we are forced to realize that our actual great freedoms comes with an absolute and nonnegotiable level of responsibility. We (Americans) should be bounded together in that responsibility. We as a whole are responsible for what we say and do, as a collective, with our freedom.

In an ideal world one soul would not represent the ideals of our nation, but because of one man’s words other lives have been taken. The subsequent actions and retaliations have caused unnecessary guilt to be placed on another group of people.

As an American, I feel that since we posses the greatest power on Earth, freedom, we should make a conscious effort to truly try to foster people who understand the right and wrong way to handle that power.

I think that when these situations arise, we shouldn’t wait for the people in power to apologize. We are the ones in control of our freedoms and because of that we should take a slice of humble pie, accept responsibility and apologize to ourselves for letting one of our free citizens make this choice.

If we don’t suffer a bit of humility, we are only ignoring the fact that irresponsible and senseless acts only beget other senseless acts.

I am sorry for the Anti-Islam YouTube video.

In memory of U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens

The tents are down, the lights have dimmed, the models have all gone home (hopefully with a sandwich) but Faith Thornburg and her first full collection is still shining in the minds of those who attended the Grand Finale of Charleston Fashion Week this past weekend.  Thornburg, who’s already racked up accolades at SCAD and NY Fashion Week, was the toast of the Palmetto City this past weekend with her romantic and ethereal bridal designs.  Quarterlife Magazine sat down with the designer prior to her showing and after to find out what it’s like to truly live one’s dream.

Toast of the Palmetto City

Quarterlife Magazine: What were you feeling in the hours leading up to the curtain call? Was this like a replay of NY Fashion Week?

Faith Thornburg:  I was totally calm all week-long, just excited to see it all on the runway. Once show day rolled around though, I could barely eat! I remember being back stage and unloading all the garments, literally surrounded by all my work, and I had to sit down and just bury my face in my hands for a second. I could just feel my chest going up and down from breathing so hard and had to take a minute to tell myself to calm down! It was nothing like NY Fashion Week! This time, I was showing as a real designer and not in a competition that I never thought I’d really win. In NY, everything was done for me – all the fittings, the hair and makeup, the music – all I had to do was show up! Plus, I had so many doubts that I’d win that I never really got extremely nervous. In Charleston, I felt much more pressure because I was presenting myself this time, and I just really wanted everyone to love what I worked so incredibly hard on.

QM:  How did it feel to see your first full collection walk down the runway?

FT:  It’s a feeling I don’t even know how to describe. I’ve never smiled so big before! Your collection becomes your life as you spend countless hours and sleepless nights working on what you love, and to see it on a runway of such grand scale… I just can’t describe it. You just get this pure sense of joy through your entire body.

QM:  Any favorite moments or pieces from the show?

FT:  I have two favorite moments: First, I’ll never forget seeing the models all lined up and ready to go. It’s one thing to see your collection all lined up on hangers, racks, and dress forms but it’s another to see it come to life on an actual person! Second, was doing my final walk on the runway with my collection ahead of me.

I had to keep biting my lip so I wouldn’t cry! The tears kept swelling up in my eyes though! I’d say my two favorite pieces were the finale and the full body lace corset with english net overlay dress that has a hem covered in silk chiffon petals cut and sewn on by hand with a navy blue velvet sash.

QM:  Did you have any last-minute mishaps that you’d like to share?

FT:  We did have a zipper split at fittings! Luckily that happened on Thursday and the show was on Saturday, so I made a mad dash to the fabric store and put the new zipper in. Other than that, everything was very easy and smooth!

QM:  If you haven’t reached your ultimate goal, what’s next on the road to your goal?

FT:  Next I’d like to focus on getting the line in boutiques. I love working on custom gowns but with the line being sold in bridal stores, I can reach even more brides every season.

QM:  When can we expect the next line of Faith originals?

FT:  I’ve already started visualizing new creations and have even developed a new inspiration to start research on! I have some custom work I’ll be starting on right now but I’d like to get back to the sketchbook by the end of this Spring. Perhaps by Fall we’ll see even more new designs and “Faith originals”!

QM:  Are you taking any new clients?

FT:  Absolutely! I’m always taking new clients! The more brides, the merrier!

To learn more about Faith Thornburg, or to contact her visit  FaithAnnetteThornburg.com

Photo Credits:
Ed Kavishe of Fashion Wire Press
Marie Rodriguez of Post and Courier

In August of 2010, Quarterlife’s resident Fashion Guru Boe did a spotlight interview with an up and coming fashion designer in the world of Bridal.  Since that interview, Faith Thornburg has been making headway and headlines with her latest designs that evoke romance and effortless beauty.  As a graduating student from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Thornburg was chosen to participate in ELLE Magazine’s New York Fashion Week Competition against 25 other emerging designers in fashion.

Coming into Fashion Week, Thornburg was concerned with her chances as the lone bridal designer, but talent won out as she walked away from New York Fashion Week propelled into a bigger spotlight as the winner of the ELLE competition.  Quarterlife Magazine caught up with the designer before her first big show for her new collection at Charleston Fashion Week:

Faith Thornburg:
A Bridal Designing Woman

Quarterlife Magazine:  When did you know designing was your passion/dream?

Faith Thornburg:  I’d say I grew an interest in design in middle school, not necessarily fashion design, but just design, art, and creativity overall. By high school it grew into that passion and dream and continues to grow even today!

QM:  Has it always been your dream to design bridal?

FT:  Not exactly. I started college thinking I was just going to focus on ready-to-wear but quickly found that it wasn’t what I wanted. I got really discouraged and contemplated switching majors when it suddenly hit me – I’ve always been drawn to bridal and that’s where my real passion was. For some reason I never thought to put my focus there because it was something I enjoyed so much, almost like it was too good to be true! From then on, everything I did was centered around bridal and evening wear.

QM:  Coming up through SCAD, did you ever consider switching back to a full womens-wear collection?

FT:  You mean did I think of discontinuing bridal and switching to ready-to-wear only? Never. As soon as I discovered my passion was in bridal wear, I never looked back on anything else.

QM:  Was winning ELLE’s NY Fashion Week competition the “realization” of your dreams?

FT:  In a way, yes. Honestly though, I never even dreamed of making it to NY Fashion Week. It seemed so unreal and I tried to create realistic goals for myself. One of the biggest things I’ve learn

ed from my journey with Elle is to stop doubting myself. I still struggle with that but it’s definitely taught me to be confident in my designs and to not be afraid of any dream. You never know what could happen!

QM:  Is there a chance your passion could change to design something different in the future?

FT:  Possibly. I probably won’t ever do a swimwear collection or anything but whatever I’m passionate about, I’ll go for it. You never know where your path will take you. For now though, I’ll stick with designing some amazing white dresses.

QM:  This is your first full collection after winning ELLE’s NY Fashion Week competition. What was your biggest point of inspiration for this collection?

FT:  Women are always my inspiration. I love meeting and hearing stories about extraordinary women beaming with confidence and beauty, and then imagining in my mind something they might wear. This collection is for that confident, feminine, and chic woman who’s not afraid of the world. When I think of this woman, I imagine the women of the 1920s and 30s, embarking on this incredible journey of change and power in the world. Velvet ribbons, flowing silk chiffons and georgettes that are sheer in just the right places (wink wink), textural laces and other fabrics will highlight the graceful yet sexy woman this collection was made for.

QM:  Has your passion become work after winning in NY that you hadn’t felt with previous designs?  Are there any added pressures?

FT:  It definitely feels different designing now than it did before NY. I don’t know that I’d say there’s any added pressure, it’s just a different kind of pressure. Instead of working hard to impress professors and mentors, I’m working to impress clients. It is a little daunting to think that my critiques now come from the real fashion industry and not a classroom. I think what’s most exciting now than before is that when I make a gown, I’m making it for a real bride to wear on the most important day of her life and it’s not just another project to be graded on. It feels much more special and exciting now.

QM:  What’s been the most exciting part of getting out a complete collection in 3 months?  Project Runway style!

FT:  It feels real now! If that even makes sense! The anticipation of seeing the final pieces on the runway has probably been the most exciting part. Not a day goes by that I don’t find myself daydreaming about seeing it with the lights, the music, the people. The past 6 months have been so surreal and incredible, teaching me so much about myself as a designer and developing a whole new passion and dream to run with. What could be more exciting than that?

Quarterlife Magazine will have a follow-up interview
with Faith Thornburg after her first full collection shows
at Charleston Fashion Week.

So much has transpired since September 11, 2001. Jihad, Shock & Awe, “with us or against us”, recession, “Mission Accomplished”, too big to fail, Blackwater, Axis of Evil, immigration, but has our world progressed…or has it been in continual regression? Proactive, or reactive? The Creator and Editor of Quarterlife Magazine impart their own thoughts on the coming 10th Anniversary of 9/11.

From Braces to Barack:
A Gen-Y Look at Our World Since 9/11

Paul Eulette: Creator of Quarterlife Magazine

I was so thankful that morning, I couldn’t have been happier to be at the orthodontist at 8 in the morning. I was almost thrilled to be in an uncomfortable chair having my braces tightened, than be at early morning marching band practice with Mr. Walsh. For me, just like many of us (then) kids, it could have been any other morning. We were starting our school day, rolling our eyes at our teachers and texting our friends on our coolest monochrome Nokia phones.

It was the last day of our normality.

Normal, do you remember what that felt like then? It was the feeling of knowing what tomorrow held. We would go to school, read our Harry Potter Books and go to bed knowing we would do it all over again tomorrow. But that Tuesday morning changed everything, and we came to realize after 9/11 that tomorrow really wasn’t a sure thing. After 9/11, while many of us were trying to understand basic algebra or trying to get a (then perfect) 1600 SAT score, we were also trying to understand the malignant diatribe between nations, terrorists, and countrymen that have seemed to unravel our world with every utterance.

In 2001, I would have bet my newly downloaded Aaliyah CD from Napster that I was not the only one who thought, “will things ever be normal” after 9/11. And today, I’d bet my (rumored) iPhone 5 that a lot of us still don’t know that answer. To those of us now Gen-Y adults, the past 10 years have played out like an elaborate movie plot. Only Hollywood could interject such a level of political absurdity, death, devastation, and unknowing into our lives. As we’ve watched and listened, our developing minds have seemed to stand still since 2001, as the world continues to stumble around us.

Why does it seem that after 10 years, our world cannot regain its footing? Was this how the world felt for our grandparents after WWII? Did the young generation of that time find a gleaming and defining moment that reigned in “normality”? Many would say things are back to normal, but the truth is the past decade has raised a generation of children watching adults squabble, steal, and murder—and now as adults, what are we supposed to do?

The road to the “status quo” has been repaved over the past 10 years, and no one knows where the median is; leaving us to decide if we will be the ones to answer “will things ever be normal,” or are we still waiting for someone to tell us, “Mission Accomplished”?

Jenna Wessinger: Editor-in-Chief of Quarterlife Magazine

I remember exactly where I was on September 11, 2001 when I heard about the World Trade Center being hit. I was in the 11th grade, and everyone had just arrived to homeroom for 1st quarter progress reports. Everyone, including our teacher, sat in silence watching the news, not sure of how to react. It was completely inconceivable. First processing that we, our country, had been attacked; and secondly, the repercussions of this attack on our lives. The latter of which I don’t think is something that will ever be able to be fully understood.

In the aftermath of this day, in the last ten years, our country has shown incredible durability, and incredible hubris. Immediately following the chaos of 9/11/2001, our country, our leaders, our people, everyone showed a remarkable ability to band together and refuse to cower in the face of such unequivocal evil. While we mourned for the loved ones who were taken from us, we proved that we, as a country, are far more than the sum of our parts. We were attacked by people who simply had no capacity to understand what it was they were attacking. Freedom, simply put. Our inalienable rights as Americans.

Our enemies hate it, because they don’t understand it. And that’s something that should be remembered, but often seems lost in a world now consumed with hate and finger-pointing. This was not an attack on a religion. This was not an attack on a political party. This was not an attack on a race. This wasn’t Christianity vs. Muslim, Radical vs.Extremist, Black vs. White vs. Yellow vs. Brown, vs. Green vs. Blue. This attack was on the fundamental principle for which all of the Americans just listed live and base their lives.

Freedom.

My most fervent wish in the coming decades is that we are able to remember that all creeds and types of American citizens were attacked that day – “We are all Americans”.

How are you feeling 10 years after 9/11?

Faith Thornburg: Bridal Designer

“Well I guess I’ve always been “destined” to be a bridal designer. I’ve been fascinated with wedding fashions since I was little (think Jennifer Lopez in the Wedding Planner when she’s a little girl playing “wedding” with her Barbie dolls – that was me!), so it was no surprise when I decided to make it a career.” Faith Thornburg had big aspirations at a very young age – she knew she wanted to one day design the gowns that would help define one of the most exciting days of a woman’s life – her wedding day. She has done just that.

After finishing high school Faith applied to one school, The Savannah School of Art and Design – she got in – and starting in the fall of 2007 – she had her eye on one degree – Fashion Design.

While at SCAD, she started working at a bridal store in Savannah, where as she described, she played “dress up” with “brides to be” all day long in beautiful Vera Wang, Carolina Herrera, Priscilla of Boston and Oscar de la Rent (just to name a few).

The following summer she interned at Anne Barge and Badgley Mischka Bride in Atlanta, GA. Upon returning to Savannah, she started her senior collection. Each year, SCAD works with top designers in the “SCAD Style Lab”. Seniors are encouraged to submit their collection vision and then a few are selected to work one on one with a designer. This past year’s designers were Christian Cota and Chris Benz and they were so impressed with Faith’s vision, she was selected to work with one on one with Christian Cota – an opportunity which she describes as a dream come true!

Cota would visit Savannah throughout the year, assisting Faith in the whole “collection process” – she explains that it was at that point in her career that she was truly shaped into a designer. Along with that incredible opportunity, Faith’s work was also chosen (in a select group of senior designs) to have her collection “walk the runway” in a show choreographed by Miss J. Alexander from Project Runway.  After the show she was personally showered with praise and implausible advice from Andre Leon Talley, Miss J and Manolo Blahnik – some of the industry’s leading men!

Faith thought all of her dreams had come true until she was told that her collection had been chosen by Elle Magazine to be showcased at New York’s Fashion Week this September as well as have a special feature in the magazine in it’s October and December issues (so keep your eyes peeled for her)!

Faith is now working on a few gowns for brides that will be worn this fall and will be moving to Atlanta, GA in three weeks to get her career “up and running” – she is well on her way!

Check out her website to get to see all of her collection!

www.faithannettethornburg.com

First the NFL and now the NBA. Can the sports world take it? Since early April there have been serious talks of the National Basketball Association heading toward lockout status. Why you ask? The owners want a bigger piece of the money pie…duh. What else besides money? While your average American citizen is worried about the price of gas, foreclosures, and the swaying job market, NFL & NBA players and unions/owners are fighting over how to distribute millions. But I digress.

As it stands now in the current Collective Bargaining Agreement between the NBA and its players, 57% of all basketball related income goes directly to the players.

According to Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver,

“We need a new system. The current system is broken and unsustainable… If we continue to pay 57 percent off the top to the players association, it would require such an enormous amount of additional revenue to reduce losses beyond where we are.  We are only going to make very small, incremental changes.”

The latest stand by the NBA is that it is losing money. Apparently 22 NBA teams lost money last season at a total of $300 million. That fact coupled with having to pay top dollar to acquire great talent plus other business expenses can understandably lead to debt. While the NBA has some unprofitable teams, it also has some very profitable teams. Yet instead of creating a revenue sharing system or something along those lines to keep the entire league healthy, the NBA has instead proposed a deal that includes a $45 million hard salary cap. Not only would that hurt player salaries by removing the ability for teams to go over the cap, but it would also cut the current salary cap by 25%. I personally don’t view this as a possible option but I must say the current system was put in place by the Association, NOT the players or anyone else so it is no wonder why the burden has fallen on them to fix this mess.

NBA deputy commissioner Adam Silver says that the NBA and NBAPA are scheduled to have discussions about an agreement for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement in whichever city hosts the Western Conference Finals. The Collective Bargaining Agreement between the NBA and its players will expire on July 1.

The current NBA business model is backwards in favor of the athletes. Yet and still, a change needs to be made in which neither side is likely to budge. These are the perfect makings for another NFL situation. As negotiations continue Quarterlife will keep the sports world updated.

About a year and a half ago I wrote my first article for QL Magazine.  The topic was about the pull and presence that Generation Y currently holds in the political arena on both a domestic and international level.  I think that given the recent and ongoing events in the Middle East, that is a topic that needs revisiting.

People Power: A New Gen-Y Contribution?

For 18 days, the world marveled over the sheer voracity at which protesters marched on Tahrir Square day after day.  On February 11, President Hosni Mubarak stepped down after 30 years in office.  At once a barrier of fear it seemed, had been broken.

Now the fight has moved to the African nation of Libya.  Moammar Gadhafi, the latest tyrant under attack, has taken to the airwaves to convince his people and the world that Libyans love Libya just the way it is.  But already there have been victories for those inclined to revolution.  The Eastern border of the country has been taken over by protesters, more riots are encroaching on the capital Tripoli, and government officials are defecting and taking up arms with protesters.  Gadhafi himself has tried to blame these protests on any and everything he can, including pill-popping youthful followers of Osama bin Laden!  Yea, talk about a blast from the past.

Many experts watching have labeled this a tsunami of people power and a domino effect of change in a region often seen as completely out dated and out of touch with the current world order.  Since Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya, protest’s have been forming and gaining steam in nearby countries like Bahrain, Yemen, Iran, Algeria, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq just to name a few.  Many other countries are still at risk for similar unrest.  The majority of the protester’s are seeking retribution and action against extremely high unemployment (35% in Yemen), extreme poverty, and shortages on basic elements of life like food and water.

But there is still another common thread to these protests.  The age of the protesters themselves.  The countries with the largest generational gaps between the empowered regime and those protesting on the streets seem to be the places most lacking in stability.  This young generation is proving to be a worthy opponent to presidents, dictators, and royal families 3 centuries-long in power.  They are far more organized and far more secure in their stance against greed and oppression than their predecessors.

In January of this year, a Tunisian college graduate, who was unemployed and recently beaten by local cops, set himself on fire in protest of his government’s inability to react to the rampant unemployment and poverty of Tunisia.  His name was Mohammed Bouazizi, and he was 26 years old.  He was also, it could be argued, a catalyst.

In less than two weeks after Bouazizi’s death, the Tunisian dictator Zine El Abedine Ben Ali had been overthrown and fled to a neighboring country.  A few weeks later, rallies similar to those seen in Tunisia were forming in Egypt’s Tahrir Square.

The protests in Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya, not to mention those that are now spreading to the majority of the region, were and are different than most seen in this region of the world prior to 2011.  They are being planned, advertised, encouraged, and popularized on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.  In Iran, mass texts are being forwarded from person to person to spread the word faster than people had been able to before, not to mention faster than the government can quash them.

Most experts agree that regime change is unlikely in the near future for any of the countries now under protest.  Moammar Gadhafi has sworn that the only way he’ll abdicate is through death.  But change has happened.  Bahrain’s king has promised his subjects new reforms.  In Jordan, the king swore in a new government last week.  This should stand as a warning to other similarly affluent countries.  If this change is ignored, time will continue to click by on this powder-keg region, waiting for the slightest spark to ignite again as in Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya.  A spark like 26-year old Mohammed Bouazizi.

We no longer live in a world where one has to worry about being openly abused for being “the wrong race,” and we can legally marry whomever we choose without being cast into prison. But can we move beyond seeing interracial relationships as a novelty?

Interracial Relationships: Does Race Really Matter?

I say, yes.

I know, it’s hard to believe people are still taken aback by those who find love outside of their own ethnicity/race. I mean, we are connected to almost everyone from Twitter to television; and while we all claim that “race does not matter,” and “everyone is the same…”  we continue to make a distinction between relationships and interracial relationships. So clearly race still matters, right?

Again, I say yes. We watch how we address these “delicate” situations, and do our best never to offend someone with our opinions. And with all this extra stress, it’s obvious that the only difference, so to speak is race; and because of that some have to wonder if these relationships are even worth the trouble.

Now coming from a racially diverse background myself, I know firsthand how difficult certain aspects of life can be wtih an interracial relationship. I myself have been questioned if  “she’s your real mother” or “are you guys really related?”

Of course, in my home we do not feel different or “interracial”. Our family is a unit of one, no one is an outsider and we were just, normal. However when we step out into the world, we are beholden to the views of what is and is not “normal” and we are labeled accordingly.

Though we are not the same racially charged nation we were a few decades ago, we are still people who have trouble accepting things that seem like they do not belong together.

Let us be honest, as humans we all have a natural inclination to group ourselves together by some common characteristic, be it physical attributes or life experiences.

With that said, it is hard to deny the fact that some people, though not prejudice or racist, naturally make an observation and categorization of interracial relationships, because they are not used to seeing two different groups together.

I mean, even outside of humans in the animal kingdom, animals stay in their own groups. It is not too often you see a duck hanging with a dolphin…and although these things happen, we still view them as an anomaly.

Now I am not an advocate of separatism, but I am merely suggesting that if one should chose to date outside of their race, they’ll have to understand to deal with the baggage that comes along with it. Mainly knowing that people will, in the present, feel the need to define your relationship on the basis of race.

So although the views of race and interracial relationships have changed drastically in the U.S., the fact of the matter is that at this time, race does matter and until the word “interracial” is no longer used to classify these relationships, race will always be a factor.

As their mission statement says, ProjectExplorer is here to “foster the next generation of global citizens by encouraging awareness of the world beyond a student’s own community through the creation, production, and distribution of engaging and free multimedia educational materials.” Directed by the ever patient and understanding Jenny M. Buccos, ProjectExplorer.org is a nonprofit organization that produces free, online global travel series…

Quarterlife Educators 2.0

Designed for not only classroom usage, ProjectExplorer.org provides people access to other peoples and places they may never have seen or knew existed. Jenny (pictured far right) was nice enough to let me interview some of her Explorers. The three women (pictured from far left to middle) Lindsay Clark, Vijaya Selvaraju & Jazmine da Costa, are all in their Quarterlives. They are experiencing something many of us would only dream of in our 20′s, traveling the world. Not only are they traveling, but they are helping others learn while doing so. Jenny and I both agreed that it would be a waste not to share the insights of these wonderful women. So with this interview, I was able to peer into their passions, goals and outlook of the world and the future of the next set of Quarterlifers.

Enjoy!

How would you describe the quarterlife?

Vijaya: The quarterlife represents the period in my life in which I take the time to understand who I am, and what makes me happy in life. It is a time where I consistently expose myself to new opportunities, push my comfort zone, and experiment with new ideas in an effort to expand my potential, and develop the foundation for my future goals and ambitions.

Are you/have you had a quarterlife crisis?

Jazmine: I think I had a snippet of a quarterlife crisis after graduating from Princeton. I had a BA in Anthropology and the world was telling me to go make something of myself and do what I loved, but I didn’t know what I loved. So I had a nervous breakdown instead.

What does it mean to you to be an Explorer?

Lindsay: I consider myself a team member that has to constantly bring work and input to the table in order to produce the best quality content possible. Being a ProjectExplorer.org member also means being an ambassador for the open-minded, not just my nation, in my opinion.

Jazmine: To me, being a member of “ProjectExplorer.org” means I am one of the luckiest people I know. I have the unique opportunity to get paid to do the things I truly love and am passionate about: travel and learning.

Vijaya: Being a part of the ProjectExplorer team is an honour. I am surrounded by women who are incredibly intelligent, creative, and generous. It is inspiring to be a part of a team that is as collaborative and supportive as ours.

Is your idea of an Explorer different from others?

Lindsay: I think words like ‘explorer’ and ‘travel’ could use a modern-day reevaluation and reinterpretation, since there is no more job market for guys like Magellan. I consider exploring to be about a conquest of lifelong learning rather than about geographic placement. You’re an explorer if you want to be and if you feel you’re breaking boundaries, both conceptual and physical, in your own life.

Prior to ProjectExplorer, how’d you embody being an Explorer?

Jazmine: I seize every opportunity I have to study the countries I am interested in and then make the greatest effort to visit them. In the past I have never let my monetary situation stop me from traveling. As long as I could afford the plane ticket, I could make my way on cheap hostels and street food- saving money where I could and taking in as much free culture as possible. Luckily for me I have many friends who are also avid travelers and so it was easy for me (sometimes too easy) to pick different countries to visit purely for the convenience of having a place to stay and a go-to guide.

Were you always interested in traveling/teaching?

Vijaya: I am fortunate to have been brought up in a home where travel has always been a part of my life. When I was younger, most of my trips were made to India, where the majority of my extended family resides. My mom and dad would tell me stories of how they travelled all over Europe and Asia when they were a young couple. Their stories inspired me to jump-start my travel adventures.

Does the internet feed our generation’s wanderlust?

Lindsay: I’m involved in the online travel blogging world, which means I encounter Gen-Y travelers hourly, but I also know ‘the small town bubble’ can restrict thought or movement far away from home. I would like to believe our generation is intrigued by the world and wants to experience it, but the internet does enable us to space out our escapes and changes of pace. In general, and compared to our elder generations, I’m assuming Gen-Y’ers are more open and, hopefully, less fearful of cultural differences.

Vijaya: I think that most Gen-Y’ers have a strong desire to learn about the world. Their fascination stems from various media that they encounter in their day to day lives including television shows, online forums, and magazines which communicate the wonders of different countries. Many in this age bracket try to make travel a priority, even if it means putting a dent in their wallets. For them, travel is an education that is worth investing in. It allows them to embrace different cultures and experiences and develop their global citizenship, something that is becoming more and more valued in the workplace nowadays.

How have social networks helped share and connect our generation?

Jazmine: The Internet and social networks are the driving force behind a rising globally minded generation who will want to be active in exploring and improving the world. The amount of people the Internet reaches is unrivaled by any other piece of technology, save the television. The Internet has been about connecting people and it naturally lends itself to advertising the idea that the world is open to all of us.

Of the places you’ve been, where do you want to retire?

Lindsay: If I knew what city I connected with most, I’d be there right now. I used to think it was Florence, Italy, but a couple months there proved to me I was meant for a more open society. I also, at one point, believed I was a beach bum, but a winter in Fiji proved to me I’m a bit stubborn and stuck in my ways. I like seasons and warm people, not to mention family and friends. I may be in Indiana for a while, much to my mother’s delight.

Jazmine: It is questions like this that spiral me into an anxiety ridden quarter life crisis moment. I don’t know where I will end up spending the rest of my life. I haven’t even a clue and I think that is okay. Hopefully it will be out of my mother’s house. And at least I can say that it won’t be in an office because I can think of nothing more spiritually draining than sitting in a temperature control roomed in front of a computer. I think whatever I end up doing it will involve learning and adventure, as long as I have those two things, I will be content.

Vijaya: With each new country that I visit, I find aspects of culture, climate, and people that make me consider settling down. Right now I call Toronto home, although I have considered moves to New York, London, and Florence in the past. Only time will tell where I will set up shop.

What’s the best part about educating children?

Vijaya: The best thing about an education is its ability to develop character, shape personality, and instil discipline in children. Moreover, it is inspiring to see how children use these tools to follow their dreams, and eventually become contributing members of society.

Do you ever wake up and realize that you are changing the world?

Lindsay: : No. I can’t think beyond the little efforts I know I can make right now. Long term thinking makes my brain spin.

Jazmine: I think that would be a little self-righteous if I woke up every morning thinking that. I feel the work I am contributing is important, but I don’t think I could wrap my mind around changing a whole generation’s mentality. For me it is one child at a time. I like to think of the individuals, instead of the collective, it seems more real that way.

Vijaya: It is overwhelming to think of how our program will influence future generations of travellers. When we film, I think of the children that will watch the end product of our work. It motivates me to do the best job I possibly can, because for many of them this is their only opportunity to travel. However, it is hard to grasp who these little people are, who they are going to grow up to be, and how they will in turn impact our world. It’s a lot to take in!

Can our generation do better at setting an example for younger generations?

Lindsay: Always. And we could start by canceling Jersey Shore.

What scares/excites you about the future?

Jazmine: When I think about the future I immediately think about the environment and the unsustainable rate of population growth. It saddens me to think that my children may never be able to see Lions in the wild or parts of the world that have not been reached by a Mac Donald’s. I am scared to think where we will end up if we do not slow down, resources we are using and make more conscious decisions to preserve our planet.

Vijaya: It makes me happy to know that the world is shaping up to be more understanding and open minded. Progressive thinking has made a difference in how people treat each other, and I can only imagine the leaps that we will take in bringing people together over time.

Conversely, it scares me to think of the people out there that try to destroy this very notion.

What’s the one thing in the world you wouldn’t change, now or in the future?

Jazmine: If there were one thing that I would not change it would be diversity. Not only is it boring for everything to be the same, it is dangerous.

Anyone want to add in anything we missed?

Jazmine: I feel like a lot people have quarter life crises because they are scared to step off the conventional life path paved by so many. But stepping off that path is becoming easier since many are admitting the 9 to 5 job is not for everyone. It was stepping off that path that led me to ProjectExplorer.org and it has been one of the best things ever to happen to me. There is not a day that goes by that I am not amazed by Lindsay, Vijaya or Jenny. These three women are some of the most driven, committed and talented people I have worked with and I am humbled by their ambition. I do not think we would be as successful as a team or as an organization if we did not believe in the importance in opening up the world for as many children as possible.

What’s your one ambiguous, yet profound tip you’d like to leave?

Lindsay: Follow your passions toward the right career, and let that path grow organically. Sometimes we don’t know where our passions will land, and making too many plans can obstruct your vision.

Jazmine: Life is about creating yourself, not finding yourself. So stop looking.

Vijaya: Believe in yourself. Never let others tell you what you can and can’t do. Acknowledge your ambition and abilities, and always fight to fulfill your dreams.

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About the Women:

Lindsay

A passion to pursue performing and fine arts moved my family and me away from a small town, but during my quest for got a coveted internship with a travel company, gained the skills to be a serious travel documentarian, and became committed to a creative and nomadic lifestyle. There isn’t a line between my work and play, so my hobbies are what I do professionally: read, write, create videos, travel. I have very few favorite pastimes because I have trouble rating one experience over another, aside from dancing, which is second nature to me. I’m often grooving, and I don’t even know it.

Jazmine

I graduated from Princeton in 2009 with a BA in Anthropology and excavated two archaeological sites: one in France and one in Turkey. I am an avid traveler and visited my first country when I was a freshman in high school. I have since been to 14 countries. In my ideal world I would be a female version of Indiana Jones, minus all the Nazis/ fighting with the natives. I love being outside, bouldering and encouraging people to have as much creative, free fun as possible. I have worked a wide arrange of jobs since graduating, some highlights include interning at the National 9-11 Memorial Museum, working for Narativ Inc, a storytelling consulting company, and my current role as Community Correspondent for ProjectExplorer.org. My travel experience in combination with my archaeology background and my puppeteer skills are what set me apart from over 300 applicants and got the attention of Jenny Buccos. Aside from working post-production for the ProjectExplorer.org Mexico series, I am a full time Playground Associate at the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy, part time instructor at Brooklyn Boulders- teaching kids to climb and as a tour guide at Tigers: Tracking a Legend- an interactive, multimedia exhibit about tracking the big cats through the jungles of India.

Vijaya

I worked through my university career as an Associate Producer on a Canadian trivia game show called “Reach for the Top” which helped cement my love for media. Post-graduation I had the opportunity to work on the first season of So You Think You Can Dance Canada as an Assistant Talent Coordinator, and made my mark in front of the camera as a panellist on MTV Canada’s, The Aftershow. My love of travel took me to Europe, where I began to document personal diaries of my time abroad in a Youtube series called ‘Foodcapades’. From the gelato shops in Florence, to the storefront at Harrod’s in London, to a traditional Saree draping in India, I’ve covered some interesting experiences around the world. I quickly came to realize that media was my calling, and that I wanted to establish a career in front of the camera. Cooking is one of my favourite hobbies. I’ve been a foodie ever since I was a little girl, and love experimenting in the kitchen.

I remember a time when if I wanted to share my appreciation for someone who inspired me through their celebrity, I’d have to write a letter in hopes they’d write me back. [p.s. Stick Stickly NEVER wrote me back!] But in reality, snail-mail or even e-mail at times is too time consuming for even the most warm-hearted person to answer everyone quickly and efficiently…

Alyssa Milano:
140 Characters of True Character

Skip ahead to today, and now that problem is a thing of the past, all thanks to Twitter. Who we can directly connect with in 140 characters, is nearly limitless. For those who think you are familiar with Twitter (but really aren’t) Twitter is more than just 140-character update about breakfast, traffic and bad dates.

Twitter is your own “Instant Messenger” for information and conversation, with a global audience.

Twitter provides an open and equal place for connections where we all can gain respect by being able to passionately and sincerely share what we believe in; and allow people to speak with us openly,  even if they are a celebrity.

Communication, information and passion are the factors which bring people to follow one another on Twitter, (not just celebrities), because on Twitter we can all listen and talk…and talking is what makes Twitter tick.

So what does this have to do with Alyssa Milano?

Well, if you could say there’s one ideal person who is “doing it right,” when it comes to Twitter, it’d be Alyssa. She’s like a good friend who sends you a funny YouTube video, shares a cute pic of her dogs & she inspires us to do better via her Tweets. But most importantly, she talks with you.

She doesn’t just tweet other celebrities, or talk to herself on Twitter; she talks to the people who make a difference, you.

Responding on Twitter through the @Reply (at reply) is essentially Twitter 101, but it is the one thing most celebrities, brands and even some average people forget. Most people tend to stop carrying on conversations once they become “established” on Twitter, for various “reasons.” However, if you just send updates about your day to Twitter, that’s like just talking to yourself in a mirror — you look crazy.

Alyssa is different. She is  a celebrity, yes — but that doesn’t make her not want to talk to other people. When I asked her what was the best thing about getting on Twitter everyday, she simply stated “Feeling connected to the world.”

She doesn’t pay some PR company to write her Tweets, nor plan them out a month in advance. She’s real and true and reacts to the world events like the Iran Elections, Haiti Earthquake and BP Oil Spill like everyone else, with lasting conversations and viewpoints.

You see, Alyssa values her conversations and opinions a lot (especially when it comes to baseball.)

But for Alyssa it’s not about breaking the latest story, or being first to find the next “Bed Intruder” video — but it’s about using social media to inform and have fun socially; and she’s not afraid to use it.

You’ll often catch Alyssa “sneaking up” on an unsuspecting fan who isn’t expecting Alyssa to read their Tweets, and drop them a cute one-liner that more than makes their day (it’s happened to me a few times!)

She’s not just fun, she is continually engaged in philanthropic causes, and seeing those causes through to fruition with an unrivaled intent. You’ll find her warmly-soliciting help to raise money and awareness from her followers, with @replies and tweets.

Then, you’ll also find her profusely thanking her followers and friends who helped her on her endless  endeavors…which is the best way any person could use social media.

For her birthday last year, Alyssa didn’t flaunt a lavish party, or only tweet pictures from an exotic vacation — she Tweeted her friends and followers and asked for money, for charity.water.

Her birthday gift from over 1,400 people brought in over $90k for charity.water. In 140-characters Alyssa brought about change to so many people, it was unreal to witness. The best part was, after the goal had been met, she had the character to thank the individuals who made it possible.  She thanked everyone from $1 to $3,700 donors in @Replies, Direct Messages and in a Blog Post.

She thanked you.

Despite a genuine and candid approach to being open with the world, the way Twitter is meant to be used, some people remain skeptical of Alyssa’s authenticity. While claims of being “fake” are at best annoying, dealing with imitators and others being extremely negative must be next to damaging.

I asked Alyssa about dealing with the consistent attacks from people who deny her authenticity, she said:

“Occasionally, there will be someone that thinks it’s funny to be hurtful. I think people forget that there is a human on the other side of the computer screen.”

But despite the attacks she’ll receive those masked behind the veil of online anonymity; Alyssa maintains a brave and cheerful face for her 1-million+ followers.

In a word, you can sum up Alyssa’s use of Twitter as, natural. So, if you aren’t already on Twitter, or want a good start—Alyssa Milano is the ideal candidate to have a welcome introduction into Twitter…and no matter how long after this is published, if you check her out now (@Alyssa_Milano) I’m sure you’ll catch her providing not only a good conversation but “Peace, Light, Love” and lots of laughter.

Thank you, Alyssa!