Hi, I’m Mitra. She, Her, Hers. Iranian-American woman, born and raised in Portland, Oregon. Passions include human rights, outdoor sports (snowboarding, scuba), making music, and travel.
Why I travel.
I’ve found that I am my best self when traveling solo. I think that’s rooted in the experience of constantly meeting new people that are very different from myself, and adapting and finding humor in challenging situations. My philosophy is to live your ideal in every moment; traveling alone pushes me to do that because it’s just me and an open plan. It forces an indecisive person like myself to make decisions constantly…which only works if I stay present and go with the flow.
Most recent journey.
Beginning in December 2018, after snowboarding the opening day at Mt. Bachelor, I took off to travel solo through Southeast Asia and Australia. What started as a 1 year plan rapidly turned into almost a year and half, first 11 months in Asia and another 5 in Australia. I chose to come home just after state and before international border closures took effect in light of the coronavirus outbreak. I called my time living and working abroad my post-grad “informal education.” Bridge Over Distance is essentially my digital diary, documenting the places I go, some of the people I meet, the experiences I have there and my deeper reflections.
Academic Background
Bachelor of Arts, University of Oregon and Robert D. Clark Honors College
International Studies: Global Health and Development, French Language, and Africa
Minors in African Studies. Music Studies.
Bridge Over Distance 