Project Contributors
The 20 Project contributors have come to us from all corners of the world! They are here to share their life's journey in the hopes that someone else can learn from what they have been through. As with all things this project has had its ups and downs and I am so proud to have these people committed to The20Project!
Hilary Curry; Vancouver, Canada
I am the founder of The 20 Project; a project that was created out of more than a few requests for advice from up and coming young professionals who were facing their 'quarter life crisis'. Through lots of trial, error and learning from other people I have finally found my path in life and I am interested in passing on what I have learned. The best part of The20Project is that it brings together people I have met and connected with from all over the world who are all on the other side of 20!
I am the founder of The 20 Project; a project that was created out of more than a few requests for advice from up and coming young professionals who were facing their 'quarter life crisis'. Through lots of trial, error and learning from other people I have finally found my path in life and I am interested in passing on what I have learned. The best part of The20Project is that it brings together people I have met and connected with from all over the world who are all on the other side of 20!
Juan Miguel Rodriguez; Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
My success in life is a result of the decisions I have made throughout my 20s. I've lived and worked in 3 different countries, speak 4 languages. and visited over 30 countries and counting. Sure, there were some "bumps in the road" and if I could go back in time... maybe it would have been easier. So, I am eager to share my life experiences with the 20s!
My success in life is a result of the decisions I have made throughout my 20s. I've lived and worked in 3 different countries, speak 4 languages. and visited over 30 countries and counting. Sure, there were some "bumps in the road" and if I could go back in time... maybe it would have been easier. So, I am eager to share my life experiences with the 20s!
Michelle Arduini; Salalah, Oman
My life has taken me to many unexpected places in my 20s, and as I get nearer (and nearer!) to 30 I find myself moving forward into the unknown full steam ahead. While I still wonder what I want to be when I grow up, I am able to look back on the experiences I've had in the last decade, both good and bad, and be thankful for all that I have accomplished. I'm grateful to be a part of The 20 Project and am excited to be able to share the lessons learned on my journey with others.
Check out my site:
http://www.thetravellingtwin.com
My life has taken me to many unexpected places in my 20s, and as I get nearer (and nearer!) to 30 I find myself moving forward into the unknown full steam ahead. While I still wonder what I want to be when I grow up, I am able to look back on the experiences I've had in the last decade, both good and bad, and be thankful for all that I have accomplished. I'm grateful to be a part of The 20 Project and am excited to be able to share the lessons learned on my journey with others.
Check out my site:
http://www.thetravellingtwin.com
Robert Jaques; Southern California, USA
When my son turned 15 I took him out for dinner with a bunch of my friends. I said I would buy dinner for all of them, but the price of admission was answering one question for my son, “What do you wish you’d known when you were 15?”. I was absolutely floored by the wisdom of the answers (and I even picked up a few pointers myself!). So I’m very happy to contribute to this project – hopefully others will find some wisdom in my experiences.
When my son turned 15 I took him out for dinner with a bunch of my friends. I said I would buy dinner for all of them, but the price of admission was answering one question for my son, “What do you wish you’d known when you were 15?”. I was absolutely floored by the wisdom of the answers (and I even picked up a few pointers myself!). So I’m very happy to contribute to this project – hopefully others will find some wisdom in my experiences.
Amberley Laverick; Melbourne, Australia
Having moved overseas when I was 18 I was clearly never going to take advice from 'grown ups'. Whilst I always eagerly listen to the words of others every decision I have ever made has been based on what I thought was best for myself, not a predefined list or someone else's opinion of 'right'. This has allowed me to take full responsibility for life and the direction it has taken. For me this approach has equaled freedom.
Having moved overseas when I was 18 I was clearly never going to take advice from 'grown ups'. Whilst I always eagerly listen to the words of others every decision I have ever made has been based on what I thought was best for myself, not a predefined list or someone else's opinion of 'right'. This has allowed me to take full responsibility for life and the direction it has taken. For me this approach has equaled freedom.
Heather A Stafford; Atlanta, USA
In my 20s I was going to conquer the world! Although I have not done all I set out to do, I am happy with my life as it is today (at the age of 43). I’m a full-time employee for a large company, a small business owner, write on a few of my own blogs as well as a couple collaborative blogs. Every success and failure I have had through the years has been a learning experience I wouldn't trade for anything.
Check out my websites for more information on me:
GeminiRed Creations – website - http://www.geminiredcreations.com
Happy Mail Deals – website {launching soon} - http://www.happymaildealsonline.com
In my 20s I was going to conquer the world! Although I have not done all I set out to do, I am happy with my life as it is today (at the age of 43). I’m a full-time employee for a large company, a small business owner, write on a few of my own blogs as well as a couple collaborative blogs. Every success and failure I have had through the years has been a learning experience I wouldn't trade for anything.
Check out my websites for more information on me:
GeminiRed Creations – website - http://www.geminiredcreations.com
Happy Mail Deals – website {launching soon} - http://www.happymaildealsonline.com
Terri Lyons; Hong Kong, China
For some people, living in Manhattan and having a great job in finance with the potential of a really high salary might be the dream. I lived it for a few years in my 20’s before coming to the realization that this is not MY dream. I quit my job, and have been traveling around the world finding beautiful places and meeting gorgeous people. Fell in love while living in the UAE and now have a partner to travel the world with. Had so many life changes in my 20’s that led me to the most exciting adventures in my 30’s! The real dream has become reality, and while it feels like it has been a long and twisted journey… I wouldn’t change a thing.
For some people, living in Manhattan and having a great job in finance with the potential of a really high salary might be the dream. I lived it for a few years in my 20’s before coming to the realization that this is not MY dream. I quit my job, and have been traveling around the world finding beautiful places and meeting gorgeous people. Fell in love while living in the UAE and now have a partner to travel the world with. Had so many life changes in my 20’s that led me to the most exciting adventures in my 30’s! The real dream has become reality, and while it feels like it has been a long and twisted journey… I wouldn’t change a thing.
Alma Kenup; Al Ain, UAE
I am currently in the midst of the kooky confusion of my 20s. I am passionate about my work as a preschool teacher but have recently been daydreaming about other professional endeavors. I am a chronic sufferer of itchy feet and haven’t managed to stay rooted in one place for more than two years since I entered this decade. Through my fair share of wrong turns and missteps, I have learned plenty about how to navigate life.
I am currently in the midst of the kooky confusion of my 20s. I am passionate about my work as a preschool teacher but have recently been daydreaming about other professional endeavors. I am a chronic sufferer of itchy feet and haven’t managed to stay rooted in one place for more than two years since I entered this decade. Through my fair share of wrong turns and missteps, I have learned plenty about how to navigate life.
Margaret Ebrecht; Vancouver, Canada
My 20's were very exciting and adventurous times. I had many people in my life give me advise, direction and words of wisdom from my father, friends and teachers. You only take to heart the advise that resonates most with your heart. Now approaching my 60's I can look back and reflect on the amazing experiences that life has given me and I feel honoured to be part of this project and be able to contribute to those in their 20's.
My 20's were very exciting and adventurous times. I had many people in my life give me advise, direction and words of wisdom from my father, friends and teachers. You only take to heart the advise that resonates most with your heart. Now approaching my 60's I can look back and reflect on the amazing experiences that life has given me and I feel honoured to be part of this project and be able to contribute to those in their 20's.
Julia Kerrigan; Toronto, Canada
My life at 28 is nothing like I predicted it would be at 20. Getting to where I am today is mostly the result of fortunate events over the past decade or so that I never could have seen coming. I wish someone had told me to just let life happen sometimes and not to get so wrapped up in what “should be”. This is why I am so excited by the 20 Project and sharing what I wish someone had told me those short years ago
My life at 28 is nothing like I predicted it would be at 20. Getting to where I am today is mostly the result of fortunate events over the past decade or so that I never could have seen coming. I wish someone had told me to just let life happen sometimes and not to get so wrapped up in what “should be”. This is why I am so excited by the 20 Project and sharing what I wish someone had told me those short years ago
Sébastien Lacour; Annecy, France & Caldas, Colombia
As Voltaire said, “Chance is a word void of sense; nothing can exist without a cause”. So your life is what you decide it to be and thus its better to be proactive. When I turned twenty I decided that it was time to learn English and discover new cultures, so I took my backpack and went to Ireland. Three years after graduating from Trinity College and I started working as engineer. In addition to my job, my passion for traveling gave me opportunities to travel a lot through the world from North to South, East to West and from -50M (diving) to + 5300M (Climbing). After finishing a MBA I settled a trading company in Singapore and worked as freelance consultant in Management. Two months ago I decided to change my life again and I moved to South America where I am heading up a project to run a new Business.
As Voltaire said, “Chance is a word void of sense; nothing can exist without a cause”. So your life is what you decide it to be and thus its better to be proactive. When I turned twenty I decided that it was time to learn English and discover new cultures, so I took my backpack and went to Ireland. Three years after graduating from Trinity College and I started working as engineer. In addition to my job, my passion for traveling gave me opportunities to travel a lot through the world from North to South, East to West and from -50M (diving) to + 5300M (Climbing). After finishing a MBA I settled a trading company in Singapore and worked as freelance consultant in Management. Two months ago I decided to change my life again and I moved to South America where I am heading up a project to run a new Business.
David Mitchell; Al Ain, UAE
I admit to being somewhat intimidated when asked by my friend Hilary to contribute to the 20 Project. The assumption that one needed to be a highly educated, high achiever to properly contribute sprung quickly to mind. I am neither of those. After some consideration, thought and reminiscing of my time during my twenties, I decided that perhaps I could offer something unique to the project.
My 20th year was spent in London, a far cry from a small Southwestern town in NSW, Australia. The year I spent there shaped my philosophy on life and how I have lived it ever since. One day at a time, slowly building a bank account of stories from amazing people I have met on my journey. Maybe my story will resonate with any young person who may think that only others dreams are in store for them. I can assure them, that other options do await.
I admit to being somewhat intimidated when asked by my friend Hilary to contribute to the 20 Project. The assumption that one needed to be a highly educated, high achiever to properly contribute sprung quickly to mind. I am neither of those. After some consideration, thought and reminiscing of my time during my twenties, I decided that perhaps I could offer something unique to the project.
My 20th year was spent in London, a far cry from a small Southwestern town in NSW, Australia. The year I spent there shaped my philosophy on life and how I have lived it ever since. One day at a time, slowly building a bank account of stories from amazing people I have met on my journey. Maybe my story will resonate with any young person who may think that only others dreams are in store for them. I can assure them, that other options do await.
Flavio Kenup; Al Ain, UAE
I'm a person who enjoys to travel and learn about different cultures. When I was 27 I set off on a 9 month journey on a motor scooter through fifteen countries. The simplicity of the concept of my trip along with the kindness of the people who I met has taught me a lot about life and the things that truly are worth pursuing.
I'm a person who enjoys to travel and learn about different cultures. When I was 27 I set off on a 9 month journey on a motor scooter through fifteen countries. The simplicity of the concept of my trip along with the kindness of the people who I met has taught me a lot about life and the things that truly are worth pursuing.
Nicola Holden; London, United Kingdom
I was born in Zimbabwe, and moved to the UK days before my 20th birthday. In my 20’s I thought I knew what I wanted from life, and I had a good, secure career. In my 30’s I discovered that I didn’t have a clue! I began to yearn for something more. I quit my job and traveled the world for a year. But I still didn’t feel settled when I returned. Eventually I realized that I needed a total career change, and I haven’t looked back since. I have learned to listen to my heart more, and my head less, and to not worry about other peoples’ expectations for my life.
Nicola Holden Designs Website -> http://www.nicolaholdendesigns.co.uk
I was born in Zimbabwe, and moved to the UK days before my 20th birthday. In my 20’s I thought I knew what I wanted from life, and I had a good, secure career. In my 30’s I discovered that I didn’t have a clue! I began to yearn for something more. I quit my job and traveled the world for a year. But I still didn’t feel settled when I returned. Eventually I realized that I needed a total career change, and I haven’t looked back since. I have learned to listen to my heart more, and my head less, and to not worry about other peoples’ expectations for my life.
Nicola Holden Designs Website -> http://www.nicolaholdendesigns.co.uk
Stephanie Alexander; Ohio, USA
I am in the process of getting to happy. Determining what really makes that happen; deciphering authenticity from perception; and finding the courage to live in MY own happy. Life has definitely been a roller coaster and my path is far from traditional but it is mine to own. I am still a work in progress but I have found the space in my spirit that makes me comfortable doing things on my own terms. My 30s have been a period of self-discovery that is both enlightening and liberating.
I am in the process of getting to happy. Determining what really makes that happen; deciphering authenticity from perception; and finding the courage to live in MY own happy. Life has definitely been a roller coaster and my path is far from traditional but it is mine to own. I am still a work in progress but I have found the space in my spirit that makes me comfortable doing things on my own terms. My 30s have been a period of self-discovery that is both enlightening and liberating.
Shannon Mara Teemull; Toronto, Canada
I was born in Canada to parents from Trinidad and Tobago. In the early years I was raised in Saudi Arabia in an American gated community, just to return to Canada for boarding school. Growing up, I had a few identity issues; not to mention that my other immediate family members are all scientists and I'm the outsider artist.
However, everything culminated when I was exactly 20. That was the pivotal year of self-discovery and self-realization that solidified my creative life path as a performing artist with a desire to use my art to give back to humanity and serve a higher purpose. There have been plenty of ups and downs, but no regrets, and I would like to share my journey on the other side of 20..
I was born in Canada to parents from Trinidad and Tobago. In the early years I was raised in Saudi Arabia in an American gated community, just to return to Canada for boarding school. Growing up, I had a few identity issues; not to mention that my other immediate family members are all scientists and I'm the outsider artist.
However, everything culminated when I was exactly 20. That was the pivotal year of self-discovery and self-realization that solidified my creative life path as a performing artist with a desire to use my art to give back to humanity and serve a higher purpose. There have been plenty of ups and downs, but no regrets, and I would like to share my journey on the other side of 20..
Russell Cullingworth; Vancouver, Canada
I was born and raised in South Africa and immigrated to Canada in 1996. For 25 years after high school I lost the best part of myself, largely due to my career choice. Although I was successful in my career, I came to fight against the title “Accountant” and expectations from others that defined and limited me. It was in my forties that I realized the full consequences of choosing a career that was exactly opposite to who I was, and I made a radical career switch. I asked to be part of the 20 Project because I have a passion for young adults and I wish that someone had helped me to understand myself more deeply when I was in my 20’s.
I was born and raised in South Africa and immigrated to Canada in 1996. For 25 years after high school I lost the best part of myself, largely due to my career choice. Although I was successful in my career, I came to fight against the title “Accountant” and expectations from others that defined and limited me. It was in my forties that I realized the full consequences of choosing a career that was exactly opposite to who I was, and I made a radical career switch. I asked to be part of the 20 Project because I have a passion for young adults and I wish that someone had helped me to understand myself more deeply when I was in my 20’s.
Sandie Atkinson; Vancouver, Canada
At the tender age of 20, I left small town Waterloo, Ontario for fun and adventure in Australia with two new friends from university. Running away from the love of my life – if only he would’ve felt the same! Although I prayed for no romance; fate had other plans and I met my future husband one month after arriving in the land of sun and sand.
For three years, I worked and traveled in Australia, South East Asia and Europe. Having made lots of mistakes in my 20s, began to find myself and who I really was in my 30s while raising three children! Today, I am content and at peace with life; and enjoying each day that God brings. I am happy to contribute to The20Project so that others can learn from my mistakes as well as the things I did well! Happy reading and learning!
At the tender age of 20, I left small town Waterloo, Ontario for fun and adventure in Australia with two new friends from university. Running away from the love of my life – if only he would’ve felt the same! Although I prayed for no romance; fate had other plans and I met my future husband one month after arriving in the land of sun and sand.
For three years, I worked and traveled in Australia, South East Asia and Europe. Having made lots of mistakes in my 20s, began to find myself and who I really was in my 30s while raising three children! Today, I am content and at peace with life; and enjoying each day that God brings. I am happy to contribute to The20Project so that others can learn from my mistakes as well as the things I did well! Happy reading and learning!
Nancy-Jean Lahn; London, Canada
The path to success for Nancy-Jean Lahn has been filled with detours, and even a few dead ends. A graduate of the University of Western Ontario, she started her ‘adult’ life in the not-for-profit sector as a fundraising, marketing and public relations specialist. While these jobs were rewarding, they lacked a real sense of fulfillment. After many attempts she was granted admission to her true calling, being a teacher. Presently Ms Lahn is a high school English and drama teacher, and looking forward to what the future holds.
The path to success for Nancy-Jean Lahn has been filled with detours, and even a few dead ends. A graduate of the University of Western Ontario, she started her ‘adult’ life in the not-for-profit sector as a fundraising, marketing and public relations specialist. While these jobs were rewarding, they lacked a real sense of fulfillment. After many attempts she was granted admission to her true calling, being a teacher. Presently Ms Lahn is a high school English and drama teacher, and looking forward to what the future holds.
Tosh Hattori; Seattle, USA
The expectations for being the only son in a traditional Japanese-American family created a lot of stress as I approached my 20s. The “unspoken” expectations included do well in school; make decision and act with integrity; and define a clear path for health, happiness, and prosperity – all in the name of family honour. Unfortunate for me, my University experiences were predominantly filled with uncertainty, exploration, and many “hits and misses.” Pretty stressful for any teenager entering adulthood and facing the inevitable job and career rat-race. As I look back on the experiences – good and bad – that resulted from the uncertainty, exploration, and “hits and misses,” I would have it no other way. I know now that if I didn’t allow myself to test, challenge, succeed, and fail, I would be the person I am today. I recognize and foster what is important to me, which translates to a healthy, happy, and prosperous life. And it helps that my parents don’t miss an opportunity to express their pride in my life accomplishments!
The expectations for being the only son in a traditional Japanese-American family created a lot of stress as I approached my 20s. The “unspoken” expectations included do well in school; make decision and act with integrity; and define a clear path for health, happiness, and prosperity – all in the name of family honour. Unfortunate for me, my University experiences were predominantly filled with uncertainty, exploration, and many “hits and misses.” Pretty stressful for any teenager entering adulthood and facing the inevitable job and career rat-race. As I look back on the experiences – good and bad – that resulted from the uncertainty, exploration, and “hits and misses,” I would have it no other way. I know now that if I didn’t allow myself to test, challenge, succeed, and fail, I would be the person I am today. I recognize and foster what is important to me, which translates to a healthy, happy, and prosperous life. And it helps that my parents don’t miss an opportunity to express their pride in my life accomplishments!
Theresa Laviolette; Vancouver, Canada
As an editor it is a privilege to help other people define and bring clarity to their stories. Even fiction enfolds an element of the writer's persona within its plot and characters. I came to editing after a full life of other jobs (from big to small and menial to responsible) and travel, including a ten-year stint living in Greece. All of these experiences have helped to widen my perspective and understand other people's journeys, which I think informs my work now. What advice would I have for a 20-year-old? In a nutshell: Be open minded and open hearted; look past your fears and reach for what beckons you. Be grateful. Be kind.
As an editor it is a privilege to help other people define and bring clarity to their stories. Even fiction enfolds an element of the writer's persona within its plot and characters. I came to editing after a full life of other jobs (from big to small and menial to responsible) and travel, including a ten-year stint living in Greece. All of these experiences have helped to widen my perspective and understand other people's journeys, which I think informs my work now. What advice would I have for a 20-year-old? In a nutshell: Be open minded and open hearted; look past your fears and reach for what beckons you. Be grateful. Be kind.
Steve Rosenberg; Vancouver, Canada
Steve Rosenberg is an award winning writer/director based in Vancouver, BC. His films have played on The Sundance Channel, CBC, WTV and Bravo. He is an alumni of The Canadian Film Centre, Canada’s most prestigious film institution. In past, he taught at the Vancouver Film School and the Environmental Youth Alliance. In 2006, hosted and produced Blink, a weekly TV talk show devoted to obscure films that come and go in a blink. Currently, Steve has both a TV series and documentary project in development. He is also the founder and executive director of Pull Focus Film School, located in Vancouver.
Steve Rosenberg is an award winning writer/director based in Vancouver, BC. His films have played on The Sundance Channel, CBC, WTV and Bravo. He is an alumni of The Canadian Film Centre, Canada’s most prestigious film institution. In past, he taught at the Vancouver Film School and the Environmental Youth Alliance. In 2006, hosted and produced Blink, a weekly TV talk show devoted to obscure films that come and go in a blink. Currently, Steve has both a TV series and documentary project in development. He is also the founder and executive director of Pull Focus Film School, located in Vancouver.
Bridget Braun; Vancouver, BC
After finishing up my degree in Design I started working full-time at a marketing firm in Toronto. It unfortunately took me a few years to realize that my job was creatively unfulfilling and I felt like I was in a slump. I thought to myself, “I could live anywhere, why should I stay here and be unhappy?” At the same time, I was filling my evenings with freelance design projects (www.bridgetbraun.com), which were feeding the creative need but left me with no free time. I was in need of a change.
I was 26 when I made the big decision to move across the country from Toronto to Vancouver. I longed to live amongst the mountains and the ocean, while still being relatively close to a city. Continuing my freelancing full-time, I finally had the freedom to do what I loved on my own terms. But when my dream job popped up on a job site, I applied for it and got it! A BC based tech start-up took me on as their full-time graphic designer and it’s exciting to be a part of something so new and innovative. So now, as I transition into my 30s, I finally feel like I’m driving my life in the direction I’d like to go, I’ve learned a lot and I hope this project helps others navigate theirs.
After finishing up my degree in Design I started working full-time at a marketing firm in Toronto. It unfortunately took me a few years to realize that my job was creatively unfulfilling and I felt like I was in a slump. I thought to myself, “I could live anywhere, why should I stay here and be unhappy?” At the same time, I was filling my evenings with freelance design projects (www.bridgetbraun.com), which were feeding the creative need but left me with no free time. I was in need of a change.
I was 26 when I made the big decision to move across the country from Toronto to Vancouver. I longed to live amongst the mountains and the ocean, while still being relatively close to a city. Continuing my freelancing full-time, I finally had the freedom to do what I loved on my own terms. But when my dream job popped up on a job site, I applied for it and got it! A BC based tech start-up took me on as their full-time graphic designer and it’s exciting to be a part of something so new and innovative. So now, as I transition into my 30s, I finally feel like I’m driving my life in the direction I’d like to go, I’ve learned a lot and I hope this project helps others navigate theirs.
