After growing up in Utica, New York, and studying to become a teacher he joined the Peace Corps and went to live in a village in Thailand. Through immersing himself in another culture he was able to take a bird's-eye-view of himself, and the culture that he was a part of. This deep reflection enabled increased self-awareness and perception. This experience led him to explore other international opportunities and ended in spending 10 years abroad (rural Thailand, Beijing, rural India, Europe). During this time Daniel became very curious about many things and dedicated himself to self-directed learning. Through apprenticeship and lived experience Dan has set himself on a path of lifelong learning.