I ventured on this trip as a student in the summer of 1992, and it changed my life. It opened my eyes to travel and exploration. It allowed me to venture out of my comfort zone and embrace new friends. It was during that trip that I made the decision to come back to Hawaii with my own set of students if teaching ever became my chosen profession. Since that time, I have been blessed with 4 sets of wonderful students and parents who have chosen to embark on that same journey. I ventured back in 2001, 2004, 2008, and 2011. Every trip is special to me because it is the people who shape the experience.
Hawaii is such a beautiful place; the land and the people have become so special to me. Although it is part of the United States of America, it really does not feel that way when you are there. Seeing my students be able to experience that is why I continue to go back. So many of them experience firsts on the trip...first time to do their own laundry, first time to see what lies beneath the surface of the water, first shave ice, first full rainbow, first shooting star, first time to see lava, first time to see barren land...the list goes on and on.
This trip was extra special to me because I was able to share the trip with a former student, now teacher. Being able to experience the trip with Katie Hartman, Whiteland HS teacher, as a chaperone was so much fun. It was a totally different experience for her this second time around, and I feel so blessed to have been there to experience it with her.
I want to thank everyone...especially my girls for being so wonderful. You represented Batesville HS well, and you made me proud. I only hope that you had the time of your life. Aloha and Mahalo. ;)
