When asked how he became known as the “Most Traveled Person in America,” Daniel Seddiqui chuckles.

“Well, I graduated college with an economics degree and wondered what to do with it. I sent out resumes and my parents also had good industry connections,” he says.

“I had 120 job interviews, but no offers. All told, I had 5,000 rejections and became known as the ‘Most Rejected Person in the World.’”

The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Council’s October “Meet & Greet” is “Careers Coast to Coast with Daniel Seddiqui,” 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22, Black River Farms Vineyard & Winery, Lower Saucon Township.

Known as the real-life “Where’s Waldo?,” Seddiqui has written eight books, including “50 Jobs in 50 States” (2011), “Going the Extra Mile - One Man’s Curiosity Through America Leads to Compassion” (2020), ”Piecing Together America” (2022) and “Jammin’ Through the South: The Immersive Travel Guide” (2024).

After Seddiqui’s 30-minute presentation, there will be networking and mingling. The event is free, but a $10 optional contribution supports the council’s mission.

Deciding to travel the United States and write about his experiences, Seddiqui contacted a reporter at USA Today newspaper, hoping to gain sponsors to support his travels. He estimated the expense for a cross-country trip to be $35,000 to $40,000. Additional expenses would be covered by odd jobs taken along the way.

Says Seddiqui in a phone interview:

“Sponsors liked the idea, but didn’t support it. So, I decided to follow through and use the adventure for personal growth and discoveries. I ‘lived the map’ and ultimately became known as the ‘Most Traveled Person in America.’”

Seddiqui grew up in Los Altos, Calif. He received an economics degree in 2005 from the University of Southern California where he competed in athletics.

His mother is a Quaker from Pennsylvania. His father is of Afghan heritage.

Seddiqui recalls that as a child he visited Allentown and Bethlehem. “I don’t remember much about the area, but it seems fitting to end my travels there,” he says.

Seddiqui began his travels in 2008 in Salt Lake City, Utah, and “by the time I covered half the journey I’d held 50 jobs and people wanted to hire me because they wanted publicity.”

When asked what his most memorable experiences were, he answered, “Actually, all these experiences really changed my life.”

Coal mining in the Campbell’s Creek area of West Virginia was one of his scariest jobs:

“It was a tough environment, but it was a great experience and I’ve remained friends with several people. You never know what kind of impact a stranger has on you.

“One of the most impactful experiences was my visit to the Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota, a community where 90 percent of the population is unemployed. I worked at career counseling for youth, but there really isn’t much work there for youth. There’s a casino, a convenience store as well as hospitals but the work is outsourced and with high unemployment, travel is considered something for the elites.”

Seddiqui’s visit to the Mississippi Delta was eye-opening and most rewarding:

“I had heard that Holmes County, Mississippi, has the most cases of obesity in the state. In Pickens, Mississippi, I received permission from the mayor to train the townspeople for a 5K road race.

“I held a town hall meeting and out of a population of about 1,500, seven people came. They started working out and in the end, 150 people competed in a 5K Turkey Trot. It turns out, years later folks continue to participate in the event.”

When asked if there are other places, he wants to visit he says, “My curiosity has been fulfilled.”

“Careers Coast to Coast with Daniel Seddiqui,” 5:30 p.m. Oct. 22, Black River Farms, 2472 Black River Road, Lower Saucon Township. Bethlehem. Information: https://www.lehighvalleychamber.org/ypc.html

Daniel Seddiqui website: https://www.livingthemap.com/