For as long as she can remember, travel has been part of Emma Storms’ story.
Growing up in Fremont, Nebraska, Emma’s parents made it a priority to show her and her brother more of the world. Family trips took them across the country and beyond, introducing them to different places, people, and traditions. Those experiences sparked a lifelong curiosity that still influences her today, both personally and professionally.
“I probably travel at least once a month, whether that's just a weekend trip or something longer,” Emma said. “I kind of always like to have a little adventure to look forward to.”
As a marketing specialist for Immanuel, Emma often travels to communities and PACE® centers across the organization. She takes photos of residents, participants, and employees, gathering stories, and helping bring the Immanuel experience to life. While her professional life may look different from her personal weekend road trips or international adventures, she sees a clear connection between the two.
After earning her bachelor’s degree in advertising and public relations from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Emma briefly moved to Montana in search of something different. Drawn by the mountains and outdoor lifestyle, she worked for a rafting company, helping check in guests and photographing rafting excursions.
The experience deepened her appreciation for the outdoors and reinforced something she already knew about herself: she enjoys stepping outside her comfort zone.
“I feel really centered, grounded,” Emma said about spending time outdoors. “I think that it was good for my mental health being outside.”
Today, her adventures range from visiting national parks with friends to exploring new cities and countries. Along the way, she has collected plenty of memories, including one particularly memorable trip to New York City.
After changing travel plans with a friend, the pair found themselves staying in a hostel in Brooklyn. During a night out, they became determined to visit the popular Carlo’s Bake Shop and grab cannolis. The mission was successful. Their phone batteries, however, were not.
“We needed the cannolis,” Emma said with a laugh. “Had we not gotten the cannolis, like we probably would have had enough power on our phones to call an Uber.”
The story has become one of many reminders that travel rarely goes exactly as planned, and that is often part of what makes it memorable.
While Emma enjoys the destinations, she said the people she meets make a big impact. Some encounters lasted only for the trip itself. Others became lasting friendships. On a trip to Nashville, she made friends with a group of women celebrating a bachelorette party, some of whom she stays in touch with today.
Experiences like these have shaped her perspective and helped her feel comfortable meeting people from all walks of life.
“My parents took my brother and me all over the country and the world just to kind of immerse us in different cultures,” Emma said. “I think it's important to meet other people and experience new things.”
That lesson carries into her work every day.
As a member of the Immanuel marketing team, Emma regularly visits communities and centers to capture photos and stories. She believes her travel experiences have helped her feel at ease starting conversations with people she has just met.
That is one reason she appreciates programs like the Immanuel Explorers, which invites residents from across Immanuel communities to partake in travel adventures.
“It’s just refreshing to see that travel is still encouraged no matter what stage of life you're in,” Emma said. “It's just a great opportunity to continue your love of travel.”
Through Immanuel Explorers, residents can experience new destinations, build friendships, and create new memories together, proving that the spirit of adventure does not disappear at retirement. For Emma, that message feels especially meaningful.
Travel has taught her confidence, curiosity, and the value of meeting people where they are. Whether she is exploring a new country, photographing residents at an Immanuel community or center, or listening to someone share a life story, the goal is often the same.
“My travels have taught me that you can do anything that you want to,” Emma said. “You'll meet like-minded individuals no matter where you go.”
As Emma has discovered, sometimes the best part of the journey is the people you meet along the way.