Hello, my name is Hulda Destin! I am the President and Founder of The Passport Portal. I am passionate about venturing off to new places and teaching children. I received my first passport in 2013 because I got accepted into a study abroad program in Thessaloniki, Greece. Traveling to Greece was my first international experience; it was both nerve-wracking and exciting. My study abroad experience was truly life-changing, which led me to find my love and passion for traveling. Being able to venture out to 44 countries and living in two has been amazing. Between getting lost in the Parisian streets, walking around the Louvre for hours, and eating macaroons, Paris has been undoubtedly my favorite city. I’ve founded TPP because I want to help college students have that same feeling that I’ve had. I want these young scholars to take that leap of faith to venture abroad. I want them to appreciate and to immerse in a different culture so that they can broaden their horizons and become a global citizen. TPP will open doors to endless possibilities for tons of college students in the United States. Fun travel fact: Studies show that money spent on travel makes you happier than money spent on material goods.

Heyyyyyy! I'm Ciarra - a Birth & Bereavement Doula, as well as, a HypnoBirthing Childbirth Educator. I am a product of the illustrious Clark Atlanta University and a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Here at The Passport Portal, I serve as our Vice President. I met Hulda in Shenzhen, China while visiting a mutual friend. We also lived and worked together in Kuwait. Hulda has been a wonderful friend and she is a true friend, indeed. I am so grateful to be a part of the TPP team. For as long as I remember, I knew I'd travel the world. I had no idea how, but I knew I'd have access to these spaces. Interestingly, I got a passport for a trip that never happened! I was accepted into Camp Adventure - a volunteer program funded by the Department of Defense. I was all set to do a semester in Germany when my assignment was redirected to Hawaii at the last minute. Although disappointed that I wasn’t able to take my first trip abroad, I really enjoyed living and volunteering in Hawaii because... HAWAII. My first international trip happened about a year later with an amazing group of girls to Johannesburg & Cape Town, South Africa. Obtaining a passport at 22 with no knowledge of the process whatsoever, I used all the resources that were available and made it happen. The passport came back much more quickly than anticipated. And just five years later, my passport was full. I'm really proud of this! I have now been to just over 30 countries and look forward to continuing my journey when the borders open up again! To date, my favorite place in the world is Johannesburg, South Africa. Jozi always shows me a good time and it will always be my happy place. I joined The Passport Portal team because I believe in what Hulda stands for as a woman, educator, and traveler. It’s such a privilege to be a part of this amazing program. We hope to ignite many students’ love for travel. There is so much world to see and we should all be awarded the opportunity to do so.

I am a friendly, outgoing person with a crazy personality. I am a mother, wife, professional organizer and an educator. I am Jill of all trades who can do anything that I set my mind to. I enjoy traveling, shopping and trying new things. I currently serve as the Treasurer of TPP and I’m excited to help future travelers obtain a passport to open a door to a new world. The first time I traveled internationally was Spring Break of 2011. I went on my first cruise to Cozumel. It was a short 4 day cruise with my cousin and we had a blast from eating all day to seeing the bluest water I’d ever seen in my life. That is when I decided I had to see more of the world. I was determined to experience new and different cultures. Although, my first international trip was Cozumel I do not count it as “international”. The first time I flew internationally was to Doha in Qatar. It took about 20 hours with layovers and I packed way too much. I spent most of my time in Doha shopping which made an already over flowing luggage even heavier for my return. So now I know how to pack less because my bag is going to need space for all the new stuff that I buy! When I filled out my passport application it was not hard at all. I printed the PDF off the website and also filled out a electronic version. I was not sure which one the Post Office would accept so I was overly prepared. I went and took my picture at Walgreens and I had everything I needed except my birth certificate. One thing I want new travelers to know is that you must have certain required documents in order to apply. I needed my original birth certificate which took 2 weeks to get before I could apply for my passport. This could delay your process, but it also can result in not being able to travel because your passport did not arrive prior to you leaving. Luckily I got everything in time for my passport appointment. “I joined TPP to help young adults obtain a passport and experience the world. There are so many beautiful things out there that I want to help people to see. I hope that whoever gets a passport fills it with memories to pass down to their children.” I want to leaves you with this.. Never ever poop on a plane. Always try to poop before you fly because it’s not that easy pooping with turbulence.