This Spanish speaking traveler has visited over 17 countries and has had some memorable experiences that have shaped her inside and out.

Sofia Jacobsson may look like an ordinary sophomore in high school, but once you get to know her, you will find she is far from ordinary. Born in the hustle and bustle of New York to an Ecuadorian mom and a Swedish dad, Jacobsson is always learning about her unique background.

Until the age of six, New York was Jacobsson’s home, but a plane ride to Ecuador would reshape her life completely. Her mom had developed thyroid cancer it was important to her to move back to her home country of Ecuador during this time.

“It helped my mom to be in the presence of family during her treatment and recovery,” Jacobson said.

After her mom’s successful recovery now posed the question of where they would live. Sofia’s father’s sister lived in Minnesota and it made sense to move close to family.

Sofia still continues to visit her family in Ecuador.

“I visit my aunts and uncles in Ecuador every summer and occasionally my family from Ecuador visits Minnesota,” Jacobsson said.

Traveling has been something Jacobson has developed a love for due to her consistent traveling throughout her life.

“By far Istanbul was my favorite place to visit because everyone was so nice and welcoming. No matter what my future holds I always want to have the option to travel,” Jacobsson said.