Central America is a hop, skip and a jump away from the United States. It’s that kind of access I want my students to know. It’s that possibility and ability of choice that can help make travel happen. Places become more than dots on a map - they become memories. Accents are not solely other languages or sounds fumbled through in high school - they become conversations with new friends. Customs are not only cultural artifacts in a classroom or answers to a standardized test - they are embraced, honoured and learned in an adventure-filled afternoon.

Last week I caught up with a former high school student who happened to be in San Diego, California for a visit. Now a twenty-something graduate assistant and student finding her way in the world, we spent the day discussing travel wishes, living in new cities, dreams, opportunities, and how learning should be fun.