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The Southington Citizen — Friday, August 7, 2009
Perspective
Europe trip enlightening, says SHS student By Jacquelyn Ford-Cooperman Special to The Citizen “Life is a journey, not a destination.” This summer, July 1 to July 20, I traveled to France, Italy and Greece with the People to People Student Ambassador Program. The program was founded in 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to promote world peace through understanding. Throughout the trip, I had unforgettable experiences, which included singing in the Amphitheatre, racing in the original Olympic stadium, climbing the mouth of Mt. Vesuvius, rappelling in Assisi, Italy, singing in the talent show, and playing soccer and softball with French teenagers. My fondest memory was rappelling with the Full On program. This experience doesn’t stick out because of its rappelling, but because of what I overcame to actually rappel. Before I rappelled, I was very excited. But as I was climbing to the top of the ancient watch tower, my nerves started to kick in. The Full On staff was extremely
helpful and had many techniques to motivate me. I knew that going over the edge would be the hardest for me. As I was going over the edge, I was surprisingly tranquil. The whole experience was beautiful, not only scenically, but I learned that I could truly do anything I want to do if I put my mind to it. Europe and America both have its cultural differences. For example, in all of the countries their food was so delicious, but it was because
it was healthy. The food was wholesome, without preservatives, and everything was organic and fresh. On the other hand, Europeans and Americans have endless devotion and pride in their countries. I also found that many of our stereotypes of these people were extremely warped. For instance, Americans feel that French people are rude. When I was in France, no one was rude to me and they See Europe, next page
Photos courtesy of Jacquelyn Ford-Cooperman
Above: SHS sophomore Jacquelyn Ford-Cooperman holds up the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy. Left: Ford-Cooperman, at right, jumps with fellow travelers in front of the Louvre Museum in Paris. Right: Ford-Cooperman standing at the gates of Versailles, the French royal palace. She traveled to Europe as part of the People to People program created by President Dwight Eisenhower.
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