~:[CH9 - Day 16]:~ 700 Students Later

~:[CH9 - Day 16]:~ 700 Students Later

When I started this job, I was not much older than the students that I took to New York. It was strange to be the guide for the group, yet completely blend in with them. Years later, I don't blend in with them as much (while sometimes I do), but I have now taken over 700 students to New York over the course of my career. The prep process continues with today being one of those dreaded LONG days. With meetings before school, snack, lunch, after practice and then the actual grill, it's a grueling day with just a short breather to catch my breath. Almost 15 hours later, I finally got to rest at home and relax. Every hour seems like it would be painful, but all the work you put in is worth it and I hope that students understand this as well. Success is not determined on your skills and talents alone, but in the process of working towards improving. Everyone can get better, some have more room to grow. As I think back of all the memories of my first trip until now, I think of all the incredible memories and those other moments where you're just trying to make it to your destination without being blown away by the wind. We've been delayed, rained on, snowed on, braved New York on St. Patrick's Day and had amazing memories in the UN. While our itinerary is relatively similar every year, every team brings something new, both good and bad. We will see just how this year goes, however, the grind begins and I hope that I can prepare this team just as well as the teams in the past have done. It's a lot of work, but it will all be worth it in the end and if this year's group doesn't believe me, you have 700 people you can ask.

As a side note, it was cool that we completed this activity to the song of an alumni who took on this very process when he was in high school! #day6 #sweetchaos