Have you ever wondered what it's like to travel to All 50 States in just one year?

Travel to all 50 States by following the journey of Natalina Sents. Natalina is telling the story of farmers state by state all year long through the Why I Farm Road Trip.  Furthermore, she was a joy to talk to and I hope you all enjoy learning about her journey as much as I do. 

FIRST OF ALL, ABOUT NATALINA

So, Natalina is a country girl from Iowa who loves to: 

• travel
• thrift
• cheer on Iowa State Cyclones

Her blog is the Roots Journey, where she shares her travels to rural communities and farms.  Currently, she's on a year long 50-State Why I Farm Road Trip where she's sharing the story of farmers through interviews and photography.  So, she gets to travel to all 50 states to meet with amazing farmers.  And these stories can be found on the Why I farm Blog and social media pages as well as Natalina's blog The Roots Journey. 

AND A PIECE OF ADVICE FROM NATALINA

Always wake up with fresh mindset and be ready to take on today's challenges. Put yesterday's struggles behind you.  And be thankful for what you have in this rural lifestyle!

NEXT, LOW POINTS THROUGH THE JOURNEY

Back in high school, her high school best friend began to struggle with drugs. Seeing him make poor choices was very difficult.  She had to make the choice to not follow his path but to support him.  This experience made her feel more independent in the way she began to make decisions and choices. Which especially comes in handy with this opportunity to travel to all 50 states. 

FURTHERMORE, HOW DID SHE OVERCOME THE LOW POINT

It's certainly shaped who she has become. She kept a lot of the struggle to herself at the time. She doesn't think this is a good idea.  Then, graduation happened and they went their separate ways.  Consequently, looking back she's grateful for the opportunity to go to college. 

THEN, NATALINA DESCRIBES THE “AHA MOMENT”

In college at Iowa State, Beck's Hybrids visited her classroom and introduced the art of telling the farmer's stories. She knew right away she wanted to help with this cause.  So, the videos she saw that day was her aha moment for the next step in her path. 

WHAT IS ONE THING THAT NATALINA STRUGGLES WITH?

First of all, the struggle on the road trip:

• Looking for something new every day in a brand new place. 
• Learning how to find everything on your own. 

And, the struggle in her personal life: 

• Prioritization everything she has to balance with this project. 
• She wants to spend more time at the farms and with the farmers. But, the post production work is calling.

CONSEQUENTLY, WHAT IS NATALINA MOST EXCITED ABOUT?

• To meet different farmers every day. 
• She's also excited for people disconnected from farms to be reconnected with local farms nearby. 

These featured stories will be available online for many years to come. 

SO, WHAT IS HOLDING NATALINA BACK FROM REACHING HER GOALS?

 There's not enough hours in the day!  And not enough caffeine. 

BEST ADVICE SHE’S EVER RECEIVED

"A Man is not a Failure until he begins to Blame Someone Else.  So, take control and responsibility for your own actions. 

FURTHERMORE, HER BEST PERSONAL HABIT

She receives a bible verse texted to her each morning to start her day.

FAVORITE GO-TO MEAL

While traveling, it's local cuisine. And she turns to caffeine In the south, she loves the Waffle House Pecan Waffles and a hash brown.  Perk: The Waffle Houses are open all day and night. As a result, she can have this meal whenever she wants while she can find a Waffle House!

FAVORITE APP?

Probably Air B&B. Rented space in homes, shops, etc. Here is the link for you to check out Air B&B on a discount.

AND, FAVORITE PHYSICAL TOOL

Her camera is her best tool. She uses the Canon Rebel T2i.  And I use the Canon Rebel T5i. Any of the Canon Rebels are great cameras.

BEST AUDIO BOOK

Natalina loves autobiographies. She's recently listened to Ben Franklin's autobiography. 

AND, IF NATALINA WOKE UP TOMORROW, ACQUIRED 10 ACRES AND $1000, WHAT WOULD SHE DO?

She would start a hands-on agrotourism farm. This is where her love of ag began and she wants to give back someday. 

IN CONCLUSION, SOME PARTING WORDS OF WISDOM

Take the time to slow down and listen to a back ground story. Because, practicing this has made her a more thankful and intentional person. 

FINALLY, CONTACT NATALINA

Facebook: Roots Journey  Twitter: Roots Journey Also, Roots Journey Instagram And her Blog Web Site: Roots Journey Then, Why I Farm Facebook Also, Why I Farm Twitter And Why I Farm Instagram Why I Farm YouTube Channel Email: Why I Farm: [email protected] Email: Natalina Sents: [email protected] Finally, catch all the past episodes of Rural Women Inspired!

RURALITES, HONE YOUR DREAMS, OWN YOUR LIFE AND I’LL SEE YOU DOWN THE ROAD. ~ Much Love ~