In high school, Steve Standridge realized that he could do anything and go anywhere he wanted in life, and traveling the world is what he wants to do.

Standridge, 25, is a full-time student at Penn State University, Capital College.  In September of 1998, he decided he had enough with his small hometown of Waynesboro, Pa. and traveled to Harrisburg, where he now lives.  “There was no diversity [in Waynesboro],” said Standridge.

For Standridge, the trip to Harrisburg would be just one of the many trips he sees himself taking in his life.  Working for National Geographic is Standridge’s goal.  “I want to be a photo-journalist who travels to places that people don’t normally go,” said Standridge.

His quest for adventure begins in a year, when Standridge will study abroad in South Africa.  This trip will be putting Standridge back a semester from graduating, but he feels it is worth it just for the experience.  “When I go to Africa, I will be a minority for the first time in my life,” said Standridge.  “I’m not afraid because I feel I owe it to myself to experience being in a culture where I am a minority.”

Although he is not a materialistic person, Standridge’s most prized possession is his camera.  “My camera combines both my professional and personal life,” said Standridge.  “I’ve always had a love for pictures because images say so much.”

Standridge’s future plans include becoming a writer, traveling the world, and eventually getting married.  “If I could visit any place in the world today, I would go to Jamaica,” said Standridge.  “I often dream of dropping everything and disappearing to the islands under a false name.”  He said the only thing stopping him is that no one has asked him to go.  “I believe if a friend did ask me to drop everything and go I would do it,” said Standridge.  “Although I have worked so hard in school, I wouldn’t want to stop now.”

Standridge admires different people for their different personalities.  “My grandfather was always putting others before himself,” said Standridge.  “I strive to do the same.”

One person he admires is a past philosophy professor who helped Standridge value learning and looking past today.  Another teacher Standridge admires is his current reporting professor, Peter Kareithi.  He has taught and continues to teach Standridge all about journalism.  “Kareithi has also been a huge help with my trip to Africa,” said Standridge.

Standridge also admires Jimmy Buffet.  “He is a great writer, plus the whole Carribean scene is definitely me,” said Standridge.  Standridge said that Buffet has helped him realize that if you are not happy where you are in life, move.  “Not physically move, but change,” said Standridge.  “No matter what is going on in your life you always have a choice to change.”

With the guidance from his grandfather, teachers, and Jimmy Buffet, along with living out on his own for four years, Standridge has grown to keeping himself exposed to new ideas.  “I have an open mind for other’s lives, beliefs, and cultures,” said Standridge.  “Just because I do not necessarily believe in something doesn’t make it wrong.”