This is Tori Tine

Greetings from another new writer for HonorSociety.org! My name is Victoria, but everyone has called me Tori since I decided Victoria was an ‘old lady name’ around age five. The basics are always a good starting point: I’m 19 years old studying at Keene State College in Keene, New Hampshire. I’m majoring in communications with minors in Spanish and philosophy. Most students pick their majors based on a dream job in mind or considering which degree will allow them to make the most money. I wanted an education that would help me travel the world: a dream I’ve had for as long as I can remember. My three favorite things are to challenge myself, to learn new things, and to drink coffee. Most days around campus I’m a regular person, other days just a blur…

Even before coming to college, I knew I wanted to get involved. Since my first semester at Keene I became a sister of Phi Sigma Sigma, founder and now president of the UNICEF Initiative Club, and participate as an active member of the Spanish club as well as the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.

However, I learned the hard way that with new opportunity comes new stress as well. In an attempt to find balance I snuck into the art studio, began painting, and haven’t stopped. I found solace in being able to not think and just create something that is my own.

That, in a way, was my inspiration to organize the UNICEF Initiative at my school. Working with non-profit causes and charities has brought more meaning than I ever imagined to my life. I chose to write about philanthropic causes because I want to share in the meaning this work has brought me with everyone. I also want to share any causes you readers are working with. In starting my club I’ve learned the more people that know, the more people that will help the cause!

Learning from first hand experience shows us, whereas learning from secondhand-sources tells us about experience. I’ve come to see traveling as one of the greatest learning experiences. Through my study abroad articles I want to share stories and information about places all over the globe. I have no bias towards one place over another because I literally want to see them all. I have a serious case of wanderlust, which has left me with quite a long list of places to see. I have a plethora of books and movies regarding travel stories that allow you to truly peer into a different culture. Traveling can help us see through new eyes. I know we all get sucked into our own worlds. It’s easy to forget there are so many other places to explore.

The passion I have for these areas feeds my drive to accomplish my goals: I hope you all discover your passions and can push yourselves pursue them. Our journeys can all be meaningful once you find what is meaningful to you.