Michaela Benefit - University of Connecticut

To say the least, my fall was one to remember. In the beginning, I had still been working my three summer jobs and pursuing my current hobby horseback riding. I was super excited to start my gap year and to travel in my car, until I broke my leg. I had to receive two major surgeries, 8 screws, and a plate to put my leg back in place. I tried not to look at this as a setback but as a time to think out what I wanted to do with my travels. So obviously I spontaneously booked a flight to the U.S. Virgin Islands for mid-March. Since I had so much spare time on my hands I also started to buy equipment to build out my car. In the meantime, I have been recovering over the past three months, and now I'm almost back to 100%! Since late November, I’ve been cleared to walk again, and ever since I've been outside as much as possible, going on hikes, driving down to the beach, and shooting some photography. I have gone on two trips up to Connecticut to visit family and help out at our garden center. It’s always so nice to see family. Since covid hit I had not gotten to see them that much, but I am very thankful that it isn't too long of a drive. I am excited to finally be able to start building out my car and exploring the U.S! I cannot even begin to say how extremely thankful I am for the opportunity that MVYouth has given me. It opened up new opportunities, memories, and so much more. I am so excited to finally get the chance to do some things that I am excited about. Thank you for all that you do. Until next time!