Three parts of me sit at the keyboard this morning — and all three battle for dominance! One part is glad to be back home pursuing a routine that fosters normalcy. A second part misses the cool (at times, cold) weather of London and the surrounding countryside — not to mention the almost indescribable sights and sounds. The third part is already planning a return trip making note of the places to which I will return as well as the places I will add to my future itinerary. In order to provide center stage time for all three parts (which is only fair, don’t you think?), I will post three (maybe more) essays this week from each of the varying perspectives!
Traveling outside the confines of our own country often does a soul well! My soul needed refreshing so the trip came at a perfect time! Right off the bat, the timing was on the money!
Now, when I told some that I was going to accompany my daughter (a humanities teacher) to assist as a chaperon for a group of 14 high school humanities students (from McKinney High School), the reaction I received ranged from a grimace to a deep sigh (both intended to communicate that I was one daft bald headed man). There were a few who understood the nature of such trips and nodded in understanding — "You will have a great time!" "INDEED!" I would reply. "INDEED!" You see, those people "get it" when it comes to traveling with young people.
In all the years I have been traveling with groups of students, I can honestly say that this group was by far the best group bar none! I often had to remind myself that I was traveling with sophomores, juniors and seniors in high school and not fourth year college or graduate students! As a group, they were outstanding! As individuals — as varied and rich in personality, perspective and potential as any educator could ask for!
I miss them! They made me smile; laugh; pause; think; reflect; re-evaluate; ponder. They were simply wonderful! And I might add — "They could make a really good cup of tea!" (Obviously an inside joke!)
Every time I feel the weight of the world pressing on my psyche, I seek a good dose of "the future is in good hands" tonic! That tonic comes in the packaging of youth! So many want to focus on all that is "wrong" with today’s youth and paint pictures of gloom and doom for our future! I, on the other hand, love to spend time around youth — especially of the caliber of the humanities students from McKinney High School — I come away with a profound sense of optimism about our future as a country; a race; a world! These young men and women with whom I was privileged to travel will take their places in positions of leadership in the future and accomplish astoundingly wonderful things! I have no doubt!
Often on trips like this, one only gets to see the fun and philosophical sides of students. That being the case, one must wonder and speculate about how students might handle themselves under the pressure of crisis. Although I would have preferred to witness the strength of their mettle in another way, fate would determine that I observed it on this trip.
The night before we were to come home, four of our young men were confronted by youthful robbers on the street less than a half mile from our hotel. First of all, the four young men were unhurt physically thankfully — no attack of any kind! They displayed a presence of mind well beyond their chronological age.
After the hooligans departed, one or our young men ran into a store to call the police while another flagged down a police car on the street. Now, I am positive that the calm demeanor of our young men in the face of bullying threats confounded their assailants because all that was taken was 5 pounds in coins (roughly 10 dollars), a cell phone and a souvenir t-shirt. Obviously, their sense of innocence took a hit as well — that is typically the case when witless bullies behave in ways meant to intimidate.
Back to the "strength of mettle" thing I mentioned earlier. During the process of debriefing, the police asked what the worst part had been for the young men. Remember I said that one went inside a store to call the police? Well, I can only assume that the other three did not see him run inside and were briefly unaware of his whereabouts. One of the young men responded with, "The worst part for me was the couple of minutes that I did not know where you were!" WOW! There is no better proof of maturity than when the strength and power of relationships is elevated to the top of the priority heap! Amazing!
Relationships are everything! Money, t-shirts and phones can be replaced! Relationships Rule! These young men and women demonstrated day-after-day their firm understanding of the value of relationships and I reveled in the youthful lesson! Yes, our world will be in great hands!
Before I bring this essay to a close, I have to give a "Shout Out" to an establishment near our hotel in the Bayswater area of London located at 55-57 Queensway. This restaurant serves some of the best Italian food I have ever eaten — at reasonable prices, mind you — in an atmosphere that is warm, friendly and welcoming — by people who love people, no less! We dined there three times during our brief stay — most often as a "later in the evening" post dinner, dinner! The name of the place is Bella Italia and they are simply amazing! If you ever have a chance to visit London — please visit Bella Italia! You will certainly be glad you did!
One major life lesson was reinforced for me on this trip and that is the need to expand personal perspective. I will write more on this later; however, for now let me say that I saw many whose backyard is the world! Young adults from all over the world living, working or traveling in London whose world views expand far beyond their own country. Our students demonstrated that same desire for expansion — for awareness building! It is that kind of perspective that engenders hope in my heart. For so many of us, our world is our backyard — limited, familiar and safe to our detriment. During the shared difficulties we face as a world, I believe that we can all learn something from our youthful friends — strive to make our backyards the world!
Peace!
Mark
Copyright 2008 Mark E. Hundley
Description of images below: (1) Kacie and Mark prior to departure; (2) A close up of Stonehenge; (3) Mark in front of Stonehenge; (4) In front of Buckingham Palace prior to changing of the guard; (5) Big Ben; (6) Inside Windsor Castle. More pictures to come!
