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Stepping from the crowded bus, a wall of heat and humidity, like a hot, wet towel, presses against my nose and mouth. Carefully, I shoulder my bag and make my way through the thronging mass of humanity that is Bus Station Number One in Bangkok, Thailand.

I’m on my own. My destination is a tiny dot on a map thousands of miles from family, friends, and good medical care. What have I gotten myself into? I’m a 17-year-old student, and I am on and exchange trip to a country that I couldn’t find on a map 6 months ago.

I quickly find an Internet shop, where I can rent some time on a computer to check my e-mail. Oh no! Instead of the needed directions to where I am expecting to find my friends I get a quick message saying that they have gone on ahead without me. My position has suddenly changed from the end of a journey to right back near the beginning.

What in the world am I going to do? I can either continue on, or turn back. If I continue on I have no guaranties that when I make it to where my friends are staying they will not have moved on already, or that even if they haven’t moved I will be able to find them. The comfort, safety, and assurances of home beckon me.

Well, there is only one thing to do. I head back to the bus station and buy a new bus ticket.

Twenty hours latter, after traveling on three different busses, a truck, and a boat, I am lying in a hammock. I gently swing in the warm breeze listening to the soothing surf. I am surrounded by friends and full of food. This is my reward for taking the risks of the journey.

I enjoy taking risks in life. I love to try new things and see new sights. To get a reward you have to be willing to take a risk. But for me it is not just the reward that drives me. It is the journey itself that makes it worthwhile. My time on the island was pleasant and relaxing. Yet it was the struggle to get there that made it truly memorable.