Ruth, Year 11, Century Park Campus

Traveling is something that we often take for granted, and that we are very fortunate to be able to do. Traveling can change you as a person no matter where you go. It can add so much to someone’s character to be well-traveled.

First of all, traveling teaches you time management. If you don’t manage your time well, you may not be able to make your flight or see that last tourist attraction you want to go to. On the other hand, you also learn that it’s okay if things don’t go as planned. If you didn’t get to see something you wanted to, it’s not the end of the world. Once, my family and I went to the airport and forgot my mother’s passport so we weren’t able to fly that day. We still went the next day, though, so it turned out fine.

Another thing that traveling changes is your perception of people and things around you. It can open your mind to things you never thought about before. At our school, we have a program called Education Outside the Classroom, which gives us an opportunity to travel to different areas in China and learn about them by seeing them in person. Personally, for me, I think these trips have been integral in my understanding of people who are not as fortunate as I am. Seeing kids who are excited to go to school every day because it’s their only way to get better opportunities really makes you think about the things you might complain about.

Traveling also gives you unforgettable experiences that you wouldn’t normally have. You get to make connections with new people and new places. When you travel, you make funny, happy, or even bittersweet memories that you remember forever.