A former college student plans to travel to every state capital in America to raise awareness about student debt and the nation's education system. And as you’ll learn, he won't have any problems filling up his gas tank.
Adrian De La Vega is embarking on a journey most people would call crazy.
"It's a good crazy," he said.
But, this 21 year old former Indiana University student has a motor and a drive to make a difference.
"I wanted to do something bigger than myself," De La Vega said.
So, they say go big or go home? De La Vega took that phrase quite literally. Because the set of wheels that's going to take him across the country is his bicycle.
"On my 21st birthday, most people were going to the bar, I was getting ready for the trip."
A couple of weeks ago, De La Vega hit the road--on a mission to make it to every state capital.
"I started in Lansing, MI."
He's already biked to Indianapolis, IN, Springfield, IL and now he’s on his way to Jefferson City. 5 On Your Side spoke to him when he made a pit stop in St. Louis. The goal is to bring attention to student debt and why he feels the nation's education system can improve.
"It's tough,” he said. “It's been an adventure."
The idea to do it started a couple of months ago after he dropped out of college to start his own company. He's now moved on to another startup. But, college ignited a passion, he said.
"Our voice matters."
He said student debt is a big problem. He has thousands of dollars in loans himself. However, the issue doesn't end with college, he said.
"From K-12, to raise awareness on the fact that there needs to be more practical skills…in depth finances, how to balance a checkbook, and how to invest."
He admits he doesn't have all the answers, but he hopes his journey catches the right person's attention.
"The title bike to every state capital in America is just the title,” he said. “What I want to do is be able to get the conversation started."
De La Vega’s will be on his way to Jefferson City and then make his way to Topeka, KS. He plans to end his journey in Madison, WI.
He’started a GoFundME if people would like to help him on his trip.
