About Me

I am a 25-year-old “sassy export from Chicago”  and Thoughts Outside the Border founder. After earning my B.A. in German Studies at North Central College, I decided to continue my studies in Europe.

So, I worked my butt off bartending until I had “enough” money and moved! 

Was it a bit impulsive? Yes. 

Have I learned a lot through my experiences? Most definitely!

Now I am finishing up my M.A. Interdisciplinary European Studies at the University of Augsburg.

I am first and foremost a sassy expat who loves good food, writing, and traveling. At heart, I am a Midwestern girl who misses Portillos, Panda Express, and movie theater butter popcorn.

My big heart, strong spine, and desire to learn have helped shape the person I have become. As a result, I have learned to embrace all the good, the bad, and the ugly that comes with that #expatlife. 

Why do I do what I do?

I encourage other big dreamers and future expats to follow those dreams and push themselves to think “outside the border”!

Why? Because I believe that you can do anything as long as you put your head and heart into it. It is my primary goal to spread that positive message and support those who are also on this journey of living abroad.

Consequently, I wish to challenge those who have never been abroad to get outside of their comfort zone and experience everything that this big ol’ world has to offer! Our life is short. So, we should make the most of it! Right? Right!

Why did I start a blog?

At first, this blog was a tool I used to let my family and friends know about my semester in Russia. After writing a few posts though, I realized that I can offer a lot more than just pictures of me being the little tourist I was (although that is always fun as well).

I gave my blog a makeover, and focused on my expertise: Living abroad and making “expat life” work! It has not been easy being an expat, but I have learned a lot about life, visas, and being oneself in a foreign environment.

Thoughts Outside the Border is a platform where I can share that experience for other big dreamers out there looking for advice on life abroad.