Hi everyone,
By now i’m sure that you are settling back into your lives at home. I hope the summer continues to be an awesome adventure and that you are all enjoying the next chapters of your lives whether that means preparing for college, enjoying an awesome internship, traveling, or just relaxing before getting back to school. I just wanted to take moment to say thank you for your hard work and play during your GLA adventure in Tanzania.
You guys really were lucky to have such a special program. It’s not every summer that I get to work with a group of young adults who are so passionate, enthusiastic, positive, and hard working. You guys put a lot of energy into your service and just as much energy into engaging complicated and difficult questions about cross cultural issues and the implicit biases that we sometimes carry when encountering the new or unfamiliar. In a short time, you all grew more fully into yourselves and I’m proud of you for accepting the challenge to lean into discomfort and get the most out of your adventure.
We shared many special moments together, from dancing grandmas, and hoards of excited school children, to elephants and lions on safari. We had rap battles, and Rubik’s Cube lessons, bus dance parties, and intense evening discussions about culture, community, race, and how to be a good global community member. As a teacher and a mentor I learned a lot from you as well (including that weird dance move that Jordan does) and always enjoyed talking to you guys and getting to know you. I hope that you continue to explore the world with passion and consideration in the next chapter of your lives. Good luck on the next adventure and I hope that we meet again.
All the best,
Sam
Feeling nostalgic? You can experience that same sense of friendship and adventure abroad again! Check out all our new destinations for Summer 2018, or enroll now.
