“It must have been some time in the 1980s, when the archetype of a right of passage changed from following your favorite jam band across the country (with $20 and a spare t-shirt), to a perfectly manicured visit to Europe after college graduation. A trip where you would visit a dozen countries and experience nothing but jet lag and a language barrier.

Such has been the way of things for the majority of the youth on their fast track through life towards their retirement and eventual demise. We have been told stories from our parents: stories of seemingly outlandish and extreme adventure through this country. And all the while we, their children, are being pushed along a track through our youth that discourages any lack in haste at achieving a “gainful” employment.

Well, here we are. In our 20s, staring our 30s, and some choices are to be made. With mountains of debt and a perilous job market, we have come face to face with the end of the fast track to success. It is time to decide what is truly important in life, to focus on quality, and let the creative ingenuity of an educated generation take a right of passage into a future of its own creation.”