The often-quoted Dr. Seuss’ book Oh, the Places You’ll Go! details how one should keep an open mind and seize opportunities to try new things. It mentions how one will encounter difficulties in doing so along the way, but highlights the importance of perseverance to show that if people keep pushing through adversity and tough times, they will still achieve their goals.

Today, many students try to personify Dr. Suess’ message by taking advantage of the opportunities available to them, whether that be by pursuing a college education, studying abroad, joining clubs and organizations, or participating in research. Although some of these opportunities are still reasonably attainable, the price tags associated with many of them are not. For example, many students struggle to finance their college education, taking out loans and accruing debt to earn their degrees. This puts opportunities like traveling, studying abroad, and gaining a unique cultural perspective out the window.

Therefore, it came as no surprise that when asked what they would do if they had a million dollars, many University of Delaware students answered that they would travel. For example, Tim Smoot stated that he would first travel to “Machu Picchu, and then take a tour around Europe.” Along the way he expressed a desire to live simply, stating that he does “not want any extravagant stuff,” he just wants to experience the world, enjoy his life, put some money in the bank in case of emergencies, and donate the rest to organizations he cares about, like the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Others echoed a similar sentiment. For example, Seline Stoop stated how she would “travel to South America, buy a horse barn with three horses, and then help family with the money.”

It seems that many people have strong ambitions to travel, explore, and learn more from a social and cultural level to broaden their perspectives. Overall, they think this will lead them to a happier, more fulfilled life, and once this is achieved, they wish to share their money with others.

In the end, this all makes sense, for as Economics major Nathan Robino puts it, “All of economics is about enjoyment.” People either “invest money [directly] in themselves,” such as food or tickets to a baseball game they really want to watch in person, or, “they put it to other things that will help them succeed in the long run,” such as an education or a car. Traveling could be grouped into either category, furthering the appeal of such an experience. 

If only Dr. Suess could have predicted this economic adversity that most people experience today, which prevents them from achieving their goals. Afterall, perhaps the more appropriate title is: Oh, the Places You Could’ve Gone!