Sean is the project coordinator of educational maps for National Geographic Education. When he’s not creating maps or advising his colleagues on mapping issues, he enjoys researching history, canoeing and kayaking, and exploring the world around him. Besides his work at National Geographic, Sean helps run a non-profit focused on educational development in the West African nation of Liberia. Sean challenges blog readers to find Liberia on a map and take a moment to learn about its fascinating history.

When was the last time you went on a voyage of discovery? Not a voyage you set out on to discover yourself–although you never know what you’ll learn about yourself when you let yourself learn–but a voyage to discover some place new. I’m not talking about a voyage to Paris, France or to Papua New Guinea, but the type of trip you can take on a Saturday afternoon. The theme of this year’s Geography Awareness Week is Get Lost in Mapping: Find Your Place in the World. Why not try getting lost in your own city or town and see what kind of hidden gems might be waiting for you. Well, you don’t have to get completely lost–bring a map with you!

Continue reading “Sean O’Connor- Getting Lost in Your Own Backyard”