Many recent college graduates shoulder
their backpacks for a genteel trip to Europe. Not Soren Jespersen.
The Northern Arizona University alum hoisted his for a five-month
2,200-mile solo trek around the Four Corners region to raise money
for the Center for Humanitarian Outreach and Intercultural Exchange
or CHOICE. The Utah-based group, directed by Soren’s dad, fights
global poverty by building schools and health clinics in places
such as rural Mexico, Bolivia and Nepal.
Though
his cause is international, it’s the Four Corners area that
captures Soren’s imagination. “I love the West, specifically the
Southwest. It’s changing so fast, being devoured and spit out so
often that I feel like I don’t have the time to spend away from
it.”
Averaging 15-25 miles daily, Soren covered
roughly 290 miles between April 26 and May 12, using customized
topography maps, a GPS device and advice from locals. Friends and
family supply him with food he dried himself; he travels lightly,
carrying a tarp, a hand-tailored sleeping bag and a daily journal.
Already the 23-year-old says he’s spotted a slew of animals such as
pronghorn antelope.
Soren admits he has a
romantic notion about living the solitary, rugged life of an
explorer and has dedicated the trip to Everett Ruess, another young
wanderer who disappeared in the region in 1934. “Lots of people are
afraid to be alone,” he muses.
Old-fashioned
romanticism notwithstanding, Soren has a modern eye for fund
raising. To receive periodic updates on his progress, donate to
CHOICE by calling 800/381-1065.
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline Intrepid explorer with a cause.
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