Dear Students,

Dear Students,

Bonjour! I would like to tell you all how very proud I am of you. You represented your families, your school, your community and country exceedingly well on our travels to and in Paris. Your manners, your composure, your flexibility and grace under pressure are all qualities that will serve you well as you continue to mature and blossom.

I think we all agreed that the other group that traveled with us was downright embarrassing. You were also exposed to childish behavior by adults, which is unfortunate. Martin Luther King said that "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." Sitting in a Moroccan restaurant in the middle of Paris is an adventure! Experiencing new cultures, new adventures and new experiences is what you signed up for. No one ever said you had to like them ALL. Some of you really enjoyed the couscous that night. Those that didn't- I am impressed that you remained politely silent. I know that watching students from another state get up, walk through the window, bring back McDonalds to the restaurant and sit back down to eat it was excruciating for all of us! Your behavior made me so proud.

We will all cherish special moments from the trip. Watching you all link arms and skip confidently through the metro is one of my fun memories! Searching for 'lost' students on the streets of Paris is one I hope to forget, very soon!

Remember what Rick Steve's said: "Travel helps you understand and appreciate different cultures. Travel changes people. It broadens perspectives and teaches new ways to measure quality of life. Many travelers toss aside their hometown blinders. Their prized souvenirs are the strands of different cultures they decide to knit into their own character. The world is a cultural yarn shop......travelers are weaving the ultimate tapestry." I hope you brought back some fun, tangible Parisian souvenirs. I KNOW that you have some intangible souvenirs that you can now add to your life resume: international travel that has introduced you to lots of NEW and different ideas, philosophies and experiences. Learning to adapt, overcome, go for 36 hours without sleep, and enjoy the positives and ignore the negatives will take you far!

Love you!

Mrs. Gant