Last year Dr. Maria Fadiman, an FAU geography professor, was chosen as a National Geographic Emerging Explorer. Subsequently, Starbucks contacted National Geographic and wanted a quote from an extraordinary individual. It was Dr. Fadiman that National Geographic selected.
“The Way I See It” is a program started by Starbucks to spread conversation among customers. It’s a way to get people talking in the true tradition of the coffee house. Many influential people from around the world have been quoted on the side of a Starbucks cup. Now, one of our very own members of the FAU community is one of them.
“Since I was asked through National Geographic I felt that my quote should reflect universal views and my travel experiences but shouldn’t be limited to my personal life,” Fadiman says.
She was quoted on Starbucks cup # 233 as saying: “I used to think that going to the jungle made my life an adventure. However, after years of unusual work in exotic places, I realize that it is not how far off I go or how deep into the forest I walk that gives my life meaning. I see that living life fully is what makes life- anyone’s life, no matter where they go or do not go- an adventure.”
Fadiman believes that people shouldn’t think that being well-traveled means that they are adventurous.
“I would want people to feel inspired about their own life and to live life to the fullest, whatever that may be,” Fadiman says. “It doesn’t mean you have to travel far away to live a full life.”
Look for Dr. Fadiman’s words during the entire month of April.
As of press time, there has been no word that the FAU campus Starbucks is commemorating the occasion.