Chyna Mone’t is a writer, educator, and founder of Dear Ms. Aphrodite, an empowerment-driven organization rooted in healing, storytelling, and global connection. A native of Prince George’s County, Maryland, Chyna began writing at the age of four and has since built a life shaped by her passion for words, education, and cross-cultural experience.
She holds dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology with a concentration in Developmental Psychology and English with a focus in Communication and Technology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Chyna’s professional journey includes years working as a preschool educator, as well as serving as an English teaching assistant in Barcelona, Spain. That experience helped inspire her current work in personal development and global empowerment.
Through Dear Ms. Aphrodite, Chyna Mone’t combines her love of writing and teaching to support women in reclaiming their voices, pursuing purpose, and navigating personal transformation. She is available for interviews, op-eds, and contributions on topics including education, mental health, women’s empowerment, and the intersection of culture and identity.
I wouldn’t consider myself a travel blogger these days, but what inspired me to share my travel experiences in the past was my goal to encourage others to get out of their comfort zone. I wanted people to learn about different cultures and lifestyles beyond the typical tourist perspective.
My journey started in 2020 when I interned as an English teaching assistant in Barcelona, Spain. It was my first time traveling outside the United States, so every experience was brand new and eye-opening.
My first travel blogs were actually about visiting different U.S. states. I’ve always had a goal to travel to all 50 states, so I started by sharing photos on social media when I was first allowed an online presence. It felt exciting to explore new places in my own country.
Funny enough, no. I’ve always had a deep curiosity about the world, different states, different countries, different cultures, but I never imagined it could lead to a career. It was more of a personal passion that began when I was a child.
Definitely Barcelona. It was a dream I worked so hard to turn into reality. It was my first overseas experience, and those firsts tend to stay with you forever. It was everything I hoped for and more.
Yes
New York City – There’s always something new and exciting happening. As a writer, it’s one of the most vibrant and inspiring places to be
The DMV area (DC, Maryland, Virginia) – It’s home. It reminds me why I left my comfort zone in the first place
Alberta, Canada – This place helped shape my resilience and introduced me to a community I consider my “fourth corner connection,” a concept from The Power of the Other by Dr. Henry Cloud
That no matter how much you prepare, you never really know what’s going to work for you until you’re out there living it.
For example, during my internship in Spain, I thought I’d be practicing Spanish every day, but most locals in Barcelona speak Catalan. So I ended up learning some Catalan instead. It was unexpected but valuable.
Yes, the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything. It happened two days after my 26th birthday while I was in Spain. The world shut down, and I had to scramble to get back to the U.S. I nearly missed my flight because of confusion at the airport, language barriers, and unfamiliar systems. I had to navigate three international airports with no protective gear. Masks and gloves were completely sold out. Thankfully, I made it home safely and never contracted COVID-19, but it was one of the most stressful and unpredictable experiences of my life.
9. How has traveling changed you personally?
Traveling has made me more empathetic, especially toward people coming to the U.S. for the first time. I know now how overwhelming it can be to navigate a foreign place based only on media or what you’ve been told. I’ve also become more adaptable. I don’t expect things to be like home, and I’ve learned to live with less when I’m abroad. I prefer to travel like a local, not a tourist.
10. What does “home” mean to you now?
It might sound cliché, but home is what you make it. It’s the space where you discover parts of yourself that you never would have uncovered if you’d stayed in your comfort zone.
11. What are your top 3 travel essentials?
12. If you could live in any country for a year, where would it be and why?
Barcelona, Spain. I feel like my experience was cut short because of the pandemic. Living there for a full year would allow me to continue my journey with both Spanish and Catalan and really experience the culture in full.
Final Thoughts
Chyna Mone’t’s story is one of determination, adaptability, and deep cultural respect. Whether she’s navigating a foreign subway system or reflecting on the meaning of home, her insights go beyond travel. They touch on what it means to grow through experience. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that stepping into the unknown can reveal the best parts of ourselves.
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