Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Official Announcement Post

Some of you may already know this. I've known about it for months. But see, an announcement this amazing deserves a proper post. And I'm just now in the mood to do that.

I love languages. I love foreign music. I love learning. I love different cultures. I love traveling.

Have you ever heard of People to People? It's a student ambassador program. The idea is that we can create peace and cultural understanding by getting to know the people and letting them know us. Real unity won't come from Government to Government, it'll come from People to People.

A couple of years ago, P2P invited me to go to Japan. My parents didn't think twice before saying, "No." Last year, I was invited to go to Ireland. Ireland, you guys. My favorite. My parents at least looked at it before saying "no." This year, I got a third invitation to go to Spain, France and Italy. Spain and Italy are in the top 3 places I want to go. I wanted to go so much when I saw the invitation, but I didn't even bring it up. I knew what the answer would be.

My parents saw it lying on the counter eventually. I admitted that yeah, I really wished I could go.

They said, "Okay."

The next thing I know, I'm at an orientation meeting with hundreds of other highschool kids, listening to a fun, polished lady talk about the benefits of the program, and P2P alumni share their amazing experiences.

Unfortunately, not everyone can go on the trip. The invitation goes out to lots of kids and some show up at the meeting, and some don't. From there, if you still want to go, you sign up for an interview process. Out of the hundreds of kids, only FORTY will be chosen.

Believe it or not, I'm one of the lucky forty.

Guys. I'm going to Europe. I'm going to EEEEEEEUUUUUURRRRRROOOOOOPPPPPPEEEEE. I'm going to lie on a beach in Spain. I'm going to have real croissants in France. I'm going to see the ancient Roman ruins with my very own eyes.

Can you believe this, you guys? I mean, really... I'm going to Europe. I'm going to be traveling, learning, broadening my horizons, stepping out of my comfort zone, being an ambassador to the world :) This is the most incredible opportunity I think I've ever had and I'm going capere every diem.

~Kendra

7 comments:

Izori said...

Wow! That's really cool!

Elizabeth said...

OMYGOSH, CONGRATULATIONS!!!! That is so freaking exciting!!! :D! My parents also said no, every time... but that was partly because my dad just didn't want to pay :-P. I truly hope that you have an incredible time, enjoy every moment, and seize every day ;). I am SO HAPPY for you right now!!! :D lol, I'm practically jumping around! Congratulations again, Kendra... :)

Tunafish said...

Nice! Send me a postcard =P

A.J. said...

Oh, wow. You're going to love it here. Let me know if you're going anywhere near Barcelona!

Kayla Kross said...

Ahh! You are SO blessed!
I was invited by people to people to go to Europe as well, but my parents were totally against it and wouldn't let me attend the meeting... ;P

That is so awesome, Kendra! (:

Judy Dudich said...

OMG! That's amazing!
Have a totally awesome time!
~ xo


(Laura)

Achieve1dream said...

That is so amazing!!! Congrats!! How long will you be staying? Awesome!