Explain how your experience affected you as a person
My experience in Canada had a huge impact on me as a person. Traveling out of the United States made me more aware of the different cultures. I think that people often get caught up in our own country and our own culture and we don't realize that there are other cultures out there that we can learn from. This idea that we can learn from other cultures and take our new knowledge and awareness back to our home country is one of the main reasons why I love traveling!
How did you change?
As a result of this trip, I think I am a more adventurous person and more open minded about other cultures. I know now that if I am scared of doing something adventurous, I should do it and push through the fear because it will be so worth it in the end when I am able to reflect back on the experience.
How do you see the world differently as a result of your experience?
I try to always remember the United States is not always the center of the world and that there are other countries out there with their own problems and successes as well. Traveling abroad gives us an amazing opportunity to see the world and discover what is outside of our home country. I am so thankful that I had this opportunity over the summer!
How did this experience impact or reveal your character?
I think that going on this trip helped me discover that I have a passion for nature and the environment and exploring. Some of my favorite memories from the trip have to do with the nature adventures we went on like Flower Pot Island and the Grotto. This was definitely helpful for me to discover because as I am graduating this year, I have actually been considering environmental science as a major for when I go off to college.
Was this a meaningful experience? why or why not?
Going to Canada for my summer vacation was such a meaningful experience! I got to spend quality time with my family and travel outside of the United States which is always an eye opening experience. I also completely busted my phone on this trip so it forced me to have time away from technology enjoying nature and my family. I learned so much from this trip and have pictures and memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life.
What new knowledge or skills did you learn from this experience?
The biggest thing I learned from my trip to Canada was that there is a lot that can be done in the United States to clean up our country from an environmental standpoint. I think that we could be so much more resourceful in our country like the Canadians in the small town of Tobermory. On this trip I learned so many different about so many small things that we can do that can add up to have a big impact on the environment and make our country a cleaner and healthier place to live.
What would you do differently if you were to start over?
I think if I had the opportunity to go on another camping trip to Canada I would have packed more warm clothes! I definitely did not do a good job of looking at the weather in Tobermory when I was packing. Thank goodness the Tobermory Village Campground had laundry facilities because I did not pack enough warm clothes. Also I think would have been a lot more careful with my phone so that I could prevent it from breaking on the trip if I were to have a do-over. Overall, the trip was a dream!