North Iredell High graduate travels over 3,500 nautical miles and counting in pursuit of adventure

Salem Haire: From North Iredell High to Sailing Around the World

Salem Haire, a 2019 graduate of North Iredell High School, has embarked on a three-year adventure that has taken her across the globe, spanning nearly 4,000 nautical miles and over a dozen countries. Her journey has been filled with unique experiences, from celebrating her birthday in a remote tribal village in the South Pacific to learning how to sail on a two-month, all-expenses-paid sailing adventure with Sailing Ripple Effect.

For Salem, the desire for freedom and adventure has always been a driving force in her life. This mindset was solidified after a life-changing accident in 2018, when she was hit by a van while crossing the street in Downtown Statesville. The accident left her with a renewed sense of purpose and a determination to make the most of her second chance at life.

Throughout her travels, Salem has continued her education online, completing her bachelor’s degree from Colorado State’s Global Campus. She has also taken advantage of work-exchange opportunities, allowing her to travel widely while working at hostels in exchange for food and housing.

The highlight of Salem’s travels was her experience as an apprentice crew member with Sailing Ripple Effect, where she sailed 3,500 nautical miles in the South Pacific, providing basic medical care and services to remote island communities. The journey was filled with unforgettable moments, from drinking Kava with tribal chiefs to helping build roofs out of palm leaves.

Despite the challenges that come with a global lifestyle, Salem remains undaunted. Her mother, Trevla Pulliam, describes her as confident and fearless, always eager to jump into new experiences and cultural encounters. Salem herself acknowledges the difficulties but sees them as part of the appeal of her nomadic lifestyle.

As Salem continues to explore the world, she remains grateful for the opportunities she has had and the lessons she has learned along the way. Travel, she says, has opened her mind in ways that she could never have imagined, allowing her to connect with people from all walks of life.

For those interested in following Salem’s adventures, her travels with Sailing Ripple Effect are featured in Season 7 and can be viewed on YouTube on the Sailing Ripple Effect channel. As she continues to explore new horizons, Salem’s story serves as an inspiration to all who dream of a life filled with adventure and discovery.