Choosing to take a road less traveled isn't easy, but it's where we grow the most. Here's how stepping into the unknown reshaped my life—and how it might transform yours too.

Have you ever felt like you’re standing at a crossroads, unsure if the familiar path will lead to the life you want—or if you should risk stepping onto the unknown? At some point, we all face moments like this—moments when we have to decide whether to stay in the comfort of the known or embrace the uncertainty of the unknown. On the night of my 23rd birthday, I was celebrating with friends, completely unaware that the next day would change everything—not just for me, but for the world.
It was the night of September 10, 2001. My new roommates and I went out to celebrate my birthday. I chose Xando Coffee Shop at 4 WTC because I loved their make-your-own s'mores. The four of us had been in New York City for about three weeks, still adjusting to the city, our volunteer sites, and each other. We bonded over shared experiences and stories, like the one about our new living space—a convent—being robbed less than a week before. At the time, we thought that would be the wildest story of our volunteer year. I mean, seriously—who robs a convent?!
I forgot to bring my digital camera that night, so there are no photos from that birthday. It seemed insignificant at the time, but now I wish I had at least one picture to hold onto. Twelve hours later, that coffee shop, and the rest of the World Trade Center, was gone.
We were in NYC as members of the Mercy Volunteer Corps (MVC), an organization that promotes social change by placing volunteers for one year of service at sites that support marginalized communities. Like many of us in MVC, I was looking for purpose and direction, unsure of what the next step would bring. That year would test my courage and commitment in ways I couldn't have imagined. None of us could have anticipated the tragedy that would unfold at the start of our service year. Yet, amid the devastation, we also witnessed the best of humanity emerge. People of all ages, races, and backgrounds came together to support one another.
That spirit of generosity, hospitality, and solidarity carried us through the year, deepening my commitment to MVC's values of compassionate service, social justice, spiritual growth, and a simple, community-centered lifestyle. My experience was so powerful that I chose to serve a second year in Savannah, Georgia. I'd taken a road less traveled, and that journey shaped who I am today.
MVC is just one of many organizations offering long-term volunteer opportunities, alongside groups like Habitat for Humanity, AmeriCorps, and the Peace Corps. As part of the Catholic Volunteer Network, MVC places volunteers at sites focused on education, healthcare, and social services.
At the time, I had graduated from college but wasn't ready to dive straight into a Master's program. I wanted to do something meaningful and gain more life experience first, and volunteering felt like the perfect fit. I ultimately chose MVC because the Sisters of Mercy inspired me with their commitment to living out their values—compassion, justice, and connection. I knew I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself.
Although I've since done significant work deconstructing my faith and the church in which I was raised, I still have the utmost respect for the Mercy community. Their critical concerns focus on immigration, racism, women, nonviolence, and the earth—issues that remain as vital now as they were when I joined MVC. They also embrace the idea that, while we may not all share the same belief systems, we are all connected. Each of us can play a role in changing the world.
For me, those service years were the perfect bridge between where I was and where I wanted to be. If you're standing in a safe, familiar place but feel called to step into something bigger—whether that's discovering who you are, exploring your purpose, or making a change—you're not alone. I get it. Leaving my bubble felt scary, too, but it also taught me that stepping into uncertainty is where we grow the most.
During my MVC years, I worked in the foster care system, supporting children and families through some of the hardest times in their lives. Since then, I've also gained experience in education, transitional housing, senior care, and community-based mental health. I've had the privilege of working with people from all walks of life and all corners of the globe, each with their own unique stories, struggles, and strengths. These encounters have broadened my worldview and helped me better understand the complexities of being human.
These experiences have profoundly shaped my approach to therapy and have allowed me to live out my values in meaningful ways. Sometimes, the world can feel so overwhelming that we question whether we can truly make a difference. But my MVC years taught me an important truth: small, intentional actions matter. They may seem insignificant in the moment, but they add up and ripple outward, creating impact in ways we might never see.
Taking a road less traveled led me off the beaten path, but it also brought me exactly where I was meant to be—living a life that aligns with my values and calling.
If you're figuring out your own next steps, I encourage you to listen to your intuition—the small voice inside that nudges you toward what feels right, even if it's not the easiest or most obvious path. That voice might lead you to unexpected places, but you may discover, as I did, that the road less traveled is the one that transforms you the most.
You still have time to write your story and follow your own path. It's OK if it doesn't look like everyone else's—you just need to find your own way. And if you need a companion for the journey, I'd be honored to walk with you. Therapy can be the place where you unpack your fears, dreams, and everything in between. Let's figure out your next steps together and create a path that feels uniquely yours.
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