For my students

 

April 9, 2015

As I looked around me at Newark International Airport’s Riviera café, I wanted to pinch myself. This moment has finally come; a moment that began with a seed that Paul planted in my mind two years ago; a moment that could not arrive without heavy reflection, hard work, and, sometimes, swimming against a bureaucratic current that seemed too strong to overcome. Perhaps it always feels surreal when you witness a dream blossom into the most spectacular flower. 

 

Here I was seeing it with my very eyes. My students sitting around me, passports and boarding passes in hand, getting ready to embark on a journey so significant and so impactful it would transform their lives forever.  Paul and I are both world travelers and have participated in numerous educational travel programs. We knew the value of this opportunity because travel has changed us and altered our relationship to life, learning, and the world.  Students knew it too. Some had anxious looks on their faces. Some were excited. We all knew that this was something special "flying first class" as Cristi  creatively described it in her blog. 

 

We arrived in Costa Rica only six days ago but it seems like we have been here forever. Days are long, arduous, and extremely rewarding. The country is beautiful. We have seen and done so much: day and night hikes with naturalists in the rainforest, encountered numerous species of animals in their natural habitat, worked with world class scientists to collect specimens, discuss their research, and design our own investigations that were inspired by those visits. 

I could write pages and pages about the academic value of this experience, but what I want to write about mostly is my remarkable students and how lucky I am to have met them. Many people use the word love casually, but I know I truly love them because what I am enjoying more than anything on this trip is seeing them experience joy and witnessing their transformation.

 

There are many lessons students will learn from this trip, but the most important thing I want my students to know is that life is full of wonderful possibilities and that the most difficult limitations to overcome are the ones we impose on ourselves. I want them to know that despite the negativity that exists in the world, there are good people out there waiting to open doors for them; waiting to support them; waiting to love them. I want them to know that Costa Rica represents more than just a study abroad opportunity. It represents the idea that all things are possible and that no matter what you are going through today or what have gone through yesterday; tomorrow is full of possibility and dreams fulfilled. I want them to know that they are remarkable and brilliant  individuals. I know this because I have witnessed, first hand, their interactions with each other, with scientists, and with nature. I want them to know that anyone who has ever told them otherwise is wrong. What I discovered is that I worked so hard to create a transformational experience for them, but in the end they have transformed me in ways that are too powerful to describe in words.  

Please take this experience and all your other experiences from Satellite Academy High School to propel yourself forward and live a big life.  Then expand your heart and use your life to create opportunity where none exists, open doors for people who may not be able to open it for themselves. Do it not just because it is the right thing to do. Do it because, in the end, you will be transformed. Here is how I will always remember all of you who have shared this journey with me:

Celeste:

You are a beautiful spirit. At first you are shy, but when you finally emerge from your shell you are fierce, intelligent, and a great vocalist. I appreciate your sensitivity and your ability to work well with all people.

Terrel:

 

I didn't know you well before this trip. Except that you never smiled when I called you to my office. Now you smile all the time and that makes my heart smile. Not only do you smile but you have an amazing sense of humor and you make everyone laugh. On this trip I have also discovered that you are courageous, curious, and an amazing photographer who is able to capture the beauty in all things and all people. I am jealous of your remarkable ability to sleep.

Qur'an:

 

I have always admired you. Since your first day at Satellite, you have consistently been invested in your classes. This trip has only reaffirmed what I have always known. You are a brilliant young man full of gratitude, kindness, and humility. 

 

Angel:

 

Angel you know that I have always admired you and have told you that your name is the perfect description of you. You have also been a consistently excellent student since your first day of admission.  I will never forget our perfect attendance bungee jump at great adventures and now we will always have this experience too. You are Intelligent, kind hearted, with a wonderful sense of humor. 

 

Daniel:

Before the trip I knew you were a good student who was doing well in your classes and that you were always pleasant to talk to. What I learned during his trip is about how honest, serious, and kind you are.  I have seen you volunteer to help your peers in so many ways. For example: carrying the laundry bag in La Selva or immediately volunteering to be in a room for four students at river station. I am so grateful that we have shared this experience together. 

 

 

Bryan:

 

In your silence and serenity you speak volumes. You are a very mature young man with an incredible ability to listen. You choose your words carefully always sharing something that is well thought out and germain to our discussions. You capture people's attention when you speak. Your kindness and diplomacy are admirable. I know that you will excel at everything you choose to pursue.

 

Victoria:

 

I love your passion for life, your great singing voice, and your laughter.  I know that I can always count on you to lighten the mood and light up a room. On this trip I have seen you face your fears. Your belief in possibility and love inspires me.  

 

Genesis:

 

I know I picked on you lot on this trip. Truthfully, it is because I believe in you and want to push you to live up to your potential. On this trip, you have demonstrated your maturity by being self reflective, willing to admit your mistakes, and make amends. Your laughter has been contagious and it has been lots of fun traveling with you. I can't imagine this trip without you. 

Adrialis:

You are wise beyond your years.  You walk through life elegantly with a clear sense of self, commitment to your values, thirst for knowledge, and a grateful spirit. I feel so lucky that you joined our school and are with us here in Costa Rica.  I know that you are going to be successful in any direction you choose to go. 

 

Roger:

 

Roger you are wise beyond your years. You have a brilliant mind, a thirst for knowledge. You walk through life confident and self-assured. You are also an amazing writer.  I know that your life will unfold in incredible ways. I am so happy that you are a student in our school. 

Cristi:

I am so happy I got to travel with you because I had a chance to experience different sides of you. This trip would not have been the same without you. I appreciated you adventurous spirit, contagious love for the outdoors, your positive energy and support throughout the trip as well as all the blog you created and manage.

Ashley:

Spending time with you on this trip was very special. It is amazing to see your transformation from student at Satellite Academy High School to staff member. Your support leading up to and during this trip has been invaluable.

Paul:

Thank you for pushing me to launch our travel abroad program this year.   It was a lot of work, but well worth it. I appreciate the ways in which we balance each other out and the outstanding partnership we have had for nearly ten years. Thank you!