Art & Architecture Trip - Day 1

When I left the house this morning, Mom was lying on the bed and couldn't move. She told me to have a good trip - I hope she feels better when I return. Dad took me to the airport and I flew to New York City. I love the feeling just before takeoff! Representatives of the Open Door Student Exchange met me and several other students in New York. Before we leave on the airplane tomorrow, we needed to complete an exchange program orientation at the company headquarters in Garden City. On the way there, I saw the remains of the 1964 World's fair in Queens. They let us walk around for a little while there. When we got to the orientation, we did some icebreakers and met lots of other people - they are from everywhere in the US. I talked with a girl from Tennessee for awhile. She will be going on an exchange to South America. With all the people to talk to and the intensity of what I am about to experience, I really didn't get any sleep...

Art & Architecture Trip - Prologue

Because we hosted an exchange student from Colombia (Claudia), I had the chance to take a trip with the same company (Open Door Student Exchange) for a discounted price. Mom and I talked for a lot of the winter about where I would like to go. One of the things that interested me about Germany was that it was actually advertised as an Art & Architecture study program. To be accepted, I had to submit copies of my work from Architectural Drafting class, as well as other examples of my scetching/painting. I never really thought I would get it, but they picked me anyway! This will be one of my first trips away from home without my parents - and to another continent! Mom talked to me a lot about things that I hadn't had to deal with before: passports, travelers checks, security for money and valuables. Of course, she worried a lot, too. But she kept me on task all spring earning money (and making me save it...). This will be a great experience - I can feel it...

Waltham, MA (USA)

[Bentley College - Massachusetts Boys State drove home in the afternoon]

Waltham, MA (USA)

[Bentley College - Massachusetts Boys State - final day of "Mayberry" township - college and ROTC seminar - softball games - awards ceremony]

Waltham, MA (USA)

[Bentley College - Massachusetts Boys State - "State Election Day" - softball games - voting - visit by Governor Mike Dukakis]

Waltham, MA (USA)

[Bentley College - Massachusetts Boys State - more legislative discussions, law & government seminars, softball games]

Waltham, MA (USA)

[Bentley College - Massachusetts Boys State - more elections, legislative discussions ("bill busters"), seminars]

Waltham, MA (USA)

[Bentley College - Massachusetts Boy State - state (mock) elections, seminars]

Waltham, MA (USA)

[Bentley College - Massachusetts Boys State - local (mock) elections - seminars]

Waltham, MA (USA)

[Bentley College - Massachusetts Boys State - registration at 0900 - then seminars all day - dinner - political discussions]