#thatchickfromohio - Kara Elyse

the midwest | (mĭd-wĕst′) | NOUN untapped; the middle west portion of the United States; Dorothy’s hometown in the Wizard of Oz; “it’s beautiful, though you probably have to be a child of the Midwest to see it”; “there is this sense of vast, open sky…”; ORIGIN late 18th cent.: Italian, from Latin, ‘wheat.’

Yo! Bonjour! Hola! Aloha! I’m Kara—better known as thatchickfromohio, or Carmen Sandiego to those familiar with my love for travel. My wanderlust, paired with the belief that travel sparks new experiences, perspectives, and connections, gave life to thatchickfromohio (TCFO). A blog where Midwest roots meet global horizons, I amplify the places, cultures, and people I encounter through dynamic storytelling and visual content—while inspiring bold exploration through global adventures and guiding you to sustainable travel tips.

As an Ohio native, my mission goes deeper. When I chose to study abroad in southern France, some wondered why I’d “go so far away, for so long.” Later, I learned that nearly half of Midwestern adults stay in their hometowns.

That insight fuels my purpose: to inspire Midwesterners—and anyone with big dreams beyond their immediate surroundings—to pursue adventure, live life on your own, and join a more connected global community.

the midwest | (mĭd-wĕst′) | NOUN untapped; the middle west portion of the United States; Dorothy’s hometown in the Wizard of Oz; “it’s beautiful, though you probably have to be a child of the Midwest to see it”; “there is this sense of vast, open sky and loneliness and cold”; ORIGIN late 18th cent.: Italian, from Latin, ‘wheat.’

Yo! Bonjour! Hola! Aloha! My name is Kara, and I’m thatchickfromohio, or Carmen Sandiego, for my love of travel. That wanderlust, combined with an understanding that travel enables new experiences, perspectives, and connections, blossomed into thatchickfromohio (TCFO). Through dynamic written narrative and visual content, this travel blog aims to amplify the places, cultures and people I encounter— and advocate for doing so in a way that is gentle on the planet.

As an Ohio native, the mission goes a step further. When I decided to study abroad in southern France, some questioned my desire to “go so far away, for so long.” I later learned that Pew Research and Census data cited that nearly half of Midwesterner adult residents remain in their hometowns. As a result, I seek to encourage Midwesterners and individuals with broad dreams of venturing outside their immediate environment or circumstances to pursue adventure, live on their terms, and be part of a more connected global community.