I get to know a little about one stranger each week for all of 2024

This is Vinnie, and he is ready — more than ready — to take his life in a completely new direction. Literally.

I met Vinnie at a casino campground just outside of St. Louis, MO, just as he’s about to hit the road and start a completely different life. Vinnie is the proud owner of a school bus that he now calls home. He used to own an apartment building, but he told me that the stress of managing it was terrible for him. So he finally sold the apartment building and bought the school bus.

He’s fixing up his new home while at the campground and filling it with things that make him happy. Through the front window, I could see stuffed animals and action figures lining the dashboard, ready to accompany him on his travels. He says he’ll be setting out for parts unknown as soon as he gets all the paperwork for it in order.

Vinnie is dreaming of visiting Florida. He says he just wants to be at the beach for a while. What he really wants is a little peace, and the beach is where he believes he’ll find it. It’s a huge change for him after so many years of stressful work, and he’s excited about meeting new people on the road. He says he’s happy now — he can go anywhere.