Words by: Caleb Katsakis
Art by: Gina Day

If I could trade places with a character from any novel, it would have to be Sal Paradise from Jack Kerouac’s novel ‘On the Road’. I think my mind gravitated to this character because he’s relatable. He is a guy in his twenties just out of university, a very sensitive person who appreciates the various beauties in life and is living his dreams as a writer. Although I resonate with so much of his character, I feel that — to some extent — anybody can connect with Sal. He makes mistakes, feels anxiety, anger, depression, and other difficult emotions that everyone else experiences. This is what I really admire about Sal, how he balances personal struggles while wholeheartedly experiencing incredible adventures.

He is the character whose shoes I’d love to walk a mile in because his life is the definition of ‘living’. He surrenders himself entirely to the present moment and welcomes whatever may arise throughout the journey he wants to be on most in the world. The experiences he has in ‘On the Road’ are one of the main reasons why I’d love to trade places with him. He travels across America meeting so many different and interesting people, living in various places, working different jobs, going to crazy parties and jazz clubs, seeing spectacular forces of nature, developing amazing relationships, and so much more.

However, many factors in our lives often hinder us from experiencing such freedoms. As a uni student, it’s easy to get swept up in commitments and lose yourself — even if it’s to something you really enjoy. I often catch myself prioritising my never-ending checklist of tasks over actually enjoying my life. I fill my weeks with long shifts at work or spend my days studying and completing assignments without taking a break. This is another reason why I relate to Sal. Like him, so many things are holding me back, but that unstoppable drive and desire to experience life’s priceless beauties always breaks through. Somehow amidst the tempest of obligations, I still accomplish things like my writing, travelling, painting, and other personal joys. Sal gives me the hope that I can make it through whatever challenges in my busy life and continue to appreciate the world.

As much as I’d love to trade places with Sal, I can’t. But his story is a great reminder for me to remember why he inspires me.