An interview with Chloe Loeffelholz, Development Manager
In the spring of 2009, Charly was a student with The Traveling School’s 13th semester in Central America. Today, Charly is based in the Italian Dolomites and works at a research center focused on renewable energy. Her work centers on ecological justice within nature-based solutions and dual use solar energy and agriculture projects. Charly completed a Masters in Environmental Management in Mountain Areas with a focus on Sustainable Development and Agriculture. Her adventures include hiking both the Pacific Crest Trail and Appalachian Trail and traveling to more than 50 countries! Read on to discover the how The Traveling School sparked Charly’s passion for travel and exploration:
How did your Traveling School semester impact you?
My semester was a tipping point for me realizing my dreams to explore more regions around the world. After returning from TTS, my family agreed on me taking a gap year. I ended up studying for a semester in Tajikistan, then Eastern Africa, and solo traveling and volunteering across southern South America. I doubt I would’ve taken that gap year if I hadn’t first gone on the TTS semester. Not only did it give my parents the peace of mind once I started going off for bigger expeditions or to more remote areas, but I think people knew they could rely on me in adverse situations.
Is there a specific lesson from your semester that sticks with you today?
Learning doesn’t just take place inside of a classroom. The lessons you learn outside of the classroom are vital to becoming a member of a global society. There is so much more to a place when you take the time to scratch the surface. TTS helped me connect the dots between history, science, and more through what we were experiencing around us while also teaching us important adult skill sets.
What advice would you give to a prospective TTS student?
Take the leap of faith! It will bring nothing but positive, life-affirming experiences that will benefit you and those around you greatly. Not only will it be a life-changing experience, it will make you stand out from the crowd for years to come.
Interested in exploring more alumni stories? Check out The Traveling School’s 2023 Impact Report!
