Nate Smith’s post-Amherst journey literally reads like an epic. At the age of 26, he got in his car after work one day at the school where he had been teaching and kept on driving, never to return to the job. Instead, he embarked on a life-changing, sometimes harrowing road trip all the way from Maryland to Central America, living out of his car and taking odd jobs to survive.

His journey reached a turning point when he had to sell his car and found himself homeless in Panama. With the help of the US Embassy, Nate made his way back home, bringing with him invaluable lessons about privilege and the importance of giving back.

Today, Nate is married with two kids, and he has returned to teaching with a passion. He also hasn’t lost his wanderlust; Nate works as an eighth-grade mathematics teacher in Vietnam.

Join Nate and me as we delve into the memorable moments of Nate’s life, what he has gleaned about humankind, and the lessons he has learned along the way. His experience is a testament to the strength of family, the importance of self-reflection, and the enduring impact of a supportive community.

Plus, learn whom Nate wants me to interview next.

You can email Nate at nathansmith.ghana@gmail.com.

Podcast also available on PocketCasts, SoundCloud, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, and RSS.

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The Podcast

Join Matt Collins as he interviews his Amherst College classmates. Every episode reveals what each guest has been up to since we last collided on campus, college memories that are loaded with 1990s nostalgia, the impact our liberal arts educations have had on our lives, and how we’re thinking about the future.

About the podcast