This is a BIG announcement!
In order to learn how to save the world, and teach others how to save the world, I am embarking on a trip to 15 different countries in the span of about 10 months. I have been inspired by my students (as I am every day) to provide them with the tools they need in order to play an active role in creating a planet that they deserve. This has been planned for a while, and every day I go into work excited and inspired, because I know that wherever I am (or will be), I will continue to educate my students about subjects they are passionate about.
After seeing that my students positively benefited from my life skills video modeling study I did this year with an Action Research Team at my school, New Jersey Regional Day, I decided it was time to add academic goals to my study. And what better way to teach my students about the world around them, than by giving them a connection to the world around them? (aka, me!) Throughout this trip, I will be vlogging about my learning experiences and sharing videos on my YouTube Channel, and this web site. I will also be video chatting with students at my school, as well as students that I have had in previous years, and sharing lesson plans, ideas, and other reflections that I hope will positively benefit anyone who reads or watches them.
My overarching goal is to use technology to inspire and introduce my students (and others) to other cultures, and embed environmental issues into my video teaching. I hope to show that videos and the internet can be valuable, supportive, educational tools, both in and outside a classroom environment.
To donate to my travel campaign, please click here. (Even if you can’t donate, please share this across all media platforms so others can see this and be inspired to save the world, too!)
The list of Places I’ll Go, plus my educational goals, are as follows:
- China – Learning goal: Air Pollution
- I will be teaching at DT Camp for the summer session, where a team of educators will be bringing environmental consciousness alive through singing and dancing.
- This school is on the coast of China, and (as with many parts of the country) is influenced by the thick layer of smog in the air. So much, that there is no beach on this coastal town, and the only time you will see the horizon is when there is a typhoon coming!
- New Zealand – Learning goal: Reforestation
- What a better way to combat smog than to plant more trees? That is what I will be doing through a Native Forest and Waterway Program with International Volunteers. Obviously, speaking for the trees also means planting more trees, so I am super excited to live and learn with Maori tribal leaders about their beliefs and how to help the earth.
- Australia – Learning goal: Wildlife Preservation
- Another way to help the planet is by protecting our friends who cannot speak for themselves, like koalas, dingoes, kangaroos, and sloths. In Sydney, Australia, I will be volunteering at a Go Eco Wildlife Sanctuary, where I will have an opportunity to make a real contribution to protecting Australian wildlife from extinction. The purpose of this program is to protect indigenous animals and plants, plus care for the dependent and wild animals that live there. And hugging a sloth (and rainbow eucalyptus trees!) is on my bucket list, so that will be happening too.
- Argentina- Learning goal: Cultural Preservation and Sustainable Living
- Originally I was going to go to two different countries in South America (2 weeks). After receiving a Global Engagement grant from Omprakash, I will be partnering with a School in Argentina. Not only will a more extended stay (1 month) help engross me in the culture and language (so I can learn!), but this is a better option when flying From Australia/to South Africa. I know that this whole trip is doing A KILLER on my carbon footprint, so I will try to be make the more environmentally conscious choice when I can.
- South Africa – Learning goal: Permaculture
- Through Workaways, I was also able to connect with a community called Happy Toes that hosts volunteers to help them work in their eco-village. My new friends at Happy toes “are dedicated and excited to be researching, implementing, learning about and teaching on all kinds of sustainable lifestyle practices.” Permaculture, or “permanent culture”, is a social principle that focuses on simulating or directly utilizing the patterns and features observed in natural ecosystems. Permaculture and sustainable living are closely related, as they both value utilizing what you have and respecting the natural circle of life.
- Botswana – Learning goal: Wildlife Preservation
- Many organizations in the large continent of Africa are doing amazing work protecting the beautiful habitats and wildlife that reside in their countries. With the Modisa Wildlife Project, it will be an honor to be a “Wildlife Protector” where I will help develop a sustainable project which can stop conflict and unite local farmers with wildlife.
- Kenya – Learning goal: Collaboration
- Through Instagram, I met the founder of Blue Flame Volunteers, which is a volunteer oriented charity organisation that is dedicated to encourage and facilitate sustainable development projects in underprivileged areas. Through workshops, I will be providing women and children strategies and exercises to expand their mind and hearts, live with the planet, read, and advocate for themselves, families, and their passions.
- I will be staying with the founder of Blue Flame, George, and his amazing family white I am there, so along with collaborating with his beautiful family and organization, we will also be going on safari in Massai Mara when I am there too!
Now this second part of my trip is not completely finalized yet with programs, but I have a few plans, and will be sticking with my overarching goals of cultural and climate education. Throughout this trip, I will be discussing environmental consciousness, social justice, and embedding cultural education in my video blogs and posts.
- Hungary – Learning goal: Culture
- I will be visiting my cousin in Budhapest, where she is getting her doctorate. She will be my guide around the beautiful country of Hungary and she will educate me on their way of life.
- Switzerland – Learning goal: Sustainable Living
- I do not know of any programs here, but I do know that Switzerland is the bomb at recycling and promoting renewable energy and environmentally conscious living. My goal when I reach Geneva is to find as many people as possible that can guide and educate me on how Switzerland is changing how the world looks at conscious earth living.
- France – Learning goal: Culture
- I will be visiting my best friend, who lives in Paris. Here, I will be able to soak in the Parisian lifestyle, history and visit beautiful parks, farms, and monuments.
- Spain – Learning goal: Culture
- Two of my aunts will be meeting me to tour Barcelona and Madrid and learn about the history and culture of these two iconic cities.
- Italy – Learning goal: Culture and Farming
- Again, this is not finalized, but I plan to do tour various cities of Italy (including, but not limited to: Milan, Venice, and Rome), learn about the culture, and do a Workaway on a farm or volunteer at a school that has students with special needs.
- Greece – Learning goal: Culture and Sustainable Living
- Through a Workaway, I will be volunteering at an educational eco project in South Attica, Greece. Here, I will participate in sustainable living activities such as working with bees, Syrian horses, olive groves, and other activities related to Greek culture and the environment.
- India – Learning goal: Culture
- My last leg of my trip, I will be able to go to India for my favorite holiday (yes, I love it more than Christmas) called Holi. I will celebrate spring, the colors of the world, and learn about Indian culture, and hopefully get to hug a few elephants, too.
