Meet Khi (shakhi) The middle
Khi (Shakhi) — also known as Shaq, Beth, Bethy, Shakey, and Shakiera (depending on who’s talking and how annoying they feel like being) — is our 16-year-old mix of fun chaos and cosy comfort. She’s adventurous enough to say yes to big plans, but also a total home body at heart who loves a good chill day, a beach moment, and a binge-watch session.She’s all about netball (and also umpiring), her boyfriend Noah (they’ve been together almost two years), and her people — family and friends are everything. If you’re looking for her downtime, she’ll be watching Shameless, The Rookie, or Grey’s Anatomy, living for the drama while insisting she’d never make decisions that dumb in real life (she would). Khi has a few non-negotiables — and her ADHD plays a part in that. She cannot handle lack of sleep, and she’s highly sensitive to being too hot or too cold. Also… she gets hungry quickly, which can turn into hangry fast. So keeping snacks within reach isn’t just a preference — it’s basically part of her travel safety plan.
Early LifeKhi grew up in a home that was always full — because her family has taken in many foster kids over the years. That meant she spent her childhood as a foster sister, with people coming and going, new personalities in the house, and constant change. It taught her how to connect with all kinds of people, to share space, and to adapt fast. Sometimes it was challenging when she didn’t click with someone… and sometimes it was even harder when she did and then they had to move on.She’s always been a “give it a go” kid. Over the years she’s thrown herself into scouts, basketball, netball, badminton, and dance — basically anything active, social, or slightly competitive. She’s had some proud moments too, including a Principal’s Award, Patrol Leader and stepping up as netball captain.
School
Khi has just started home-schooling, to iron out any creases before we depart. She’ll be the first to tell you the honest truth: the downside is missing friends day-to-day — it can feel like there’s less social life, and it’s hard not having teachers right there when you need them.But there are perks, and Khi knows them. She can finish earlier, work more flexibly, and make the day work around her life — which matters because she’s been working in a pub since she was 14. She is very career orientated.
Values
Khi is honest, hard-working, and quietly career-focused. She’s got a strong sense of justice and fairness, and she doesn’t love fake stuff — if she respects you, you’ll know it. Her humour is sharp, her standards are high, and she’s the type who will show up and do the job properly.
Looking AheadShe’s excited for the around-the-world part of the adventure — new places, new experiences, main character moments — but she’s not exactly thrilled about the idea of living in Vietnam, mostly because she’s going to miss Noah (a lot). She’ll still do it… she’ll just complain about it (lovingly and not so lovingly) while eating snacks and re-watching Grey’s.
Pre Epic Adventure Country Count: 33Post Epic Adventure Country Count: 56
