Learning And Living
Traveling is the ultimate learning opportunity, and the learning aspect  is one of the most pleasurable parts of the journey. A vacation to a new locale will teach you all kinds of things about local culture, customs, and geography; and you’ll retain it much longer than should you memorize it from some book. When you can put your hands on something, it makes a more indelible impression. 
 

Central America is a hop, skip and a jump away from the United States. It’s that kind of access I want my students to know. It’s that possibility and ability of choice that can help make travel happen. Places become more than dots on a map - they become memories. Accents are not solely other languages or sounds fumbled through in high school - they become conversations with new friends. Customs are not only cultural artifacts in a classroom or answers to a standardized test - they are embraced, honoured and learned in an adventure-filled afternoon.

Last week I caught up with a former high school student who happened to be in San Diego, California for a visit. Now a twenty-something graduate assistant and student finding her way in the world, we spent the day discussing travel wishes, living in new cities, dreams, opportunities, and how learning should be fun.