[ Website ] [ Facebook ] [ Support Ranger ]
“Path of Purpose: Ranger Kielak’s Inspirational Trek Through America”
I’m Ranger Kielak, and I started March 2024, I will be putting one foot in front of the other, starting from the Atlantic Ocean and ending with a dip in the Pacific Ocean. But why, you may ask, why am I doing this?
Finding Inspiration in Legacy
Back in 2012, as a high school freshman, I came across the quote by Ernest Hemingway that stated, “every man has two deaths, when he is buried in the ground, and the last time someone says his name.” This quote sparked a deep reflection within me about the concept of legacy and being remembered after we are gone. I realized that my biggest fear was fading into obscurity shortly after my passing.
A Shift in Perspective
However, everything changed in 2018 when my grandfather, Papa Larry, succumbed to Alzheimer’s disease. Through the stories shared by my mother and Nana Rose, I learned a valuable lesson. It dawned on me that while striving to be remembered by the world, we can often forget to truly know ourselves. I had been fixated on the space between being alive and being remembered, neglecting the importance of the space between existing and living.
The Call to Adventure
In 2019, I stumbled upon singer Mike Posner’s walk across America on social media. Initially, I was awestruck and thought, “I could never do that.” However, the idea lingered in my mind, refusing to be ignored. I came to a realization that if a thought persists in your mind, it may be a sign that you should act upon it. Thus, in 2022, I made the decision to embark on my own journey of walking across the country.
A Mission Beyond Oneself
To make this walk more meaningful, I felt compelled to give it a purpose that transcends personal fulfillment. Hence, I established a mission to highlight, learn from, and collaborate with individuals in the USA who are making a tangible impact in their communities. This mission led to the creation of several “Side Missions” for The Walk.
My aim is to support non-profit organizations that are actively creating positive change in the world. Through Wander Project, we seek to raise $100,000 collectively, with the proceeds evenly distributed among the following three organizations:
Future Farmers of America (FFA)
Bigger Than The Trail
The Hospice Promise
Are you ready to join me on this transformative journey?
In conclusion, Walking With Purpose: Explore the Inspiring Journey of Ranger Kielak Across America is not just a physical endeavor but a profound quest for self-discovery, meaningful connections, and impactful contributions to society. Through this odyssey, I invite you to be a part of something greater than ourselves and leave a lasting imprint on the world around us. Let’s make every step count towards a brighter future!