Reflections from the Road: Life Lessons from a Global Journey

Loss changes the lens through which we see the world, and that’s not always a bad thing. For Tom Turcich, the tragic passing of a close friend he had in high school served as a spark that ignited in his heart which ultimately led to him walking around the world. Tom meticulously planned and prepared for this epic journey, which took him seven years to complete, spanning 38 countries on six continents. Along the way, Tom faced numerous challenges, but his commitment to his values and goals allowed him to persevere in spite of it all. He emphasizes the importance of defining one's core values and then structuring one's life accordingly, even if it means accepting certain constraints. Through his transformative experience, Tom says he gained a deeper understanding of humanity, recognizing both the kindness and challenges he encountered across various cultures. He also learned to embrace failure as a path to growth, encouraging others to be more "reckless" in pursuing their dreams.