Friday, May 2
There is excitement in the air as I walk into school on the Monday morning following spring break. I catch sight of my friend who spent the past week in Costa Rica with the BUHS Spanish program and immediately bombard her with questions. During homeroom, Mr. Holiday begins to tell me about traveling with some of his students to Alabama to study the Civil Rights Movement, but we are interrupted by an announcement saying that the students going on the German exchange trip should meet in the library after school. At tennis practice, I overhear one of my teammates talking about her friend's experience on the China trip. In the midst of all of this excitement, I begin to recognize how many travel opportunities are available to students both inside and outside of school.

All high school students in Vermont have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship to participate in a program in another country through The School of International Training (SIT). During their stay, students immerse themselves in different cultures, and, in some cases, participate in community service projects such as teaching children to speak English. This summer, five of my closest friends are traveling to five

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different countries including Thailand, China, Morocco, Brazil and France. I have the privilege of spending the summer in Poland.

Mark Twain once said, "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."

The ability to learn through experience is one of the greatest gifts that a high school student can receive. No classroom education can compare to what a student can take away from living the lesson. Through the high school and SIT, students are taking advantages of travel opportunities that they will remember for the rest of their lives.

By immersing themselves in another culture, students can learn more about themselves and the world around them. They can share American customs with their host families and, in return, bring foreign customs to their home communities. Some students, once out of high school, may not be able to afford a trip to another country. However, if they are motivated to make the effort to apply for a scholarship or organize a fundraiser in high school, they may receive the opportunity of a lifetime. "We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open." -- Jawaharal Nehru.

Not only are these travel opportunities remarkable ways to experience the world outside of the United States, they also allow students to prepare themselves for college and life beyond. I know that if I can survive five weeks in a foreign country without speaking a word of the language, it will ease my transition into college. Living in a different country educates students about culture and diversity. It teaches students about independence and prepares them for living away from home. They will need to learn to do their own laundry, adjust to a different diet, and make responsible choices.

Upon meeting my tennis opponent at MAU this afternoon, I was thrilled to discover that she would be spending her summer in Mongolia. Students at BUHS and around the state of Vermont are fortunate to have so many opportunities to broaden their horizons. Those who choose not to take full advantage of these opportunities could be missing out on a life changing experience. St. Augustine once said, "The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." We should be grateful for the generosity of the organizations that make these expeditions possible.

Caroline Heydinger is a junior at Brattleboro Union High School. You can reach her at cheydinger@gmail.com.