Sunday, January 26, 2014

Fulfilling My Dream

"Not all who wander are lost"

                                                - J. R. R. Tolkien 

Hey, my name is Dylan Powell and I am making this blog in order to talk about travel due to my future trip to Scotland and Ireland this summer. I currently live in Arkadelphia, Arkansas where I go to college at Henderson State University, but I was born and raised in Magnolia. I  am majoring in history with a Spanish minor and soon will be working on a German minor. I have always been interested in history, my first book that I remember reading was about castles and it has just turned into an obsession from there. This brings me to another interest: books. I love to read, anything from historical non-fiction and classic novels to science-fiction and fantasy. My two other big loves in life are music and video games. Music has always been a huge part of my life, though sadly I cannot play myself except a couple of songs on the harmonica.... not much of an accomplishment I know, but I do LOVE music. I listen to almost anything, from 40's big band to 60's, 70's rock to 90's grunge to Celtic punk music. Yes, I am a "gamer" but I always feel like they are the same as books, a way to tell a story except that the person can actually control the story. Now do not think that because of these interests, I am always just inside on the couch. I am also an avid martial artist, having a 1st degree black belt in Tae kwon do and I also have experience training in Jiujitsu, Muay Thai, and kick boxing. I really enjoy nature also. I grew up twenty minutes from town, where my house was surrounded by trees on all sides, therefore I was almost always running around and exploring. When I am not in college, I am busy working as a carpenter. I work with three other carpenters who build custom houses.
One of the "small" cabins we built.
I am working on becoming a historian and hopefully becoming a professor one day. I was ready for this trip to Scotland and Ireland before I even knew I was going on it. Ever since I watched the movie Braveheart, I fell in love with the whole Celtic mindset, and the beauty of the landscape. When I turned 12, I received an antique map of Scotland, a quilt with the Scottish flag and coat of arms, and finally a kilt, yes an actual kilt. I was enamored with these places that I never thought I would get to go since I came from a poorer family, but I was determined to one day get to fulfill my dream. This trip means more to me than anyone can imagine. When I first found out about the trip, I nearly fainted and could barely sleep for days. So when I finally get to touch the ancient stone of a castle, I may need to be woke up after I faint. I am just ecstatic that I already have a chance to live one of my dreams and I am only 20. Here's to more adventures in the future!