Will Mechling was born and raised in Jacksonville, FL and is the oldest in a family of 8 children. After being home schooled for much of grade school and high school, Will reintegrated with society by spending a year working in Ohio. He then went on to study Civil Engineering at Florida State University.

After graduating from FSU, Will spent several months solo traveling around the world with little more than a backpack and spare change. During his time abroad, he visited every continent but Africa and Antarctica. Highlights included climbing and hiking in New Zealand, swimming with whale sharks in the Philippines, and trekking to Everest Base Camp in Nepal. Will loves to share travel stories and tips with others who are interested in budget travel.

Will was raised Catholic but did not find much significance in his faith during his younger years. In high school, however, he encountered Jesus Christ as a loving God who wanted the best for him. Then, during a difficult time of freshman year at FSU, one of the staff members at the Catholic Center befriended him. As a result, Will learned to deepen his relationship with God through prayer and good friendships. He looks forward to forming friendships with students at Rutgers and walking with them as they begin the important years of college.