Have you ever wanted to travel around the world but stopped yourself in the process convincing yourself it would never happen? Well, this dream is going to become a reality for a student at our very own Dobbs Ferry Middle School. Sixth grader Amelia Ferris will be traveling to Canada on July 27th for a twelve-day trip.
You may be wondering how can such a thing be possible? A special program called People to People is the one that gives kids this amazing opportunity. This program’s motive is to “bridge cultural and political borders through education and exchange by making the world a better place for future generations”. By traveling, kids will learn more about cultures from all over the world. So even though the trip part of it is really cool, there is still a lot of education involved. Also, while on the trip, there is community service involved. Community service can be a help to people everywhere.
To be chosen to take one of these trips, you have to be nominated. Amelia was nominated, but she was not told who she was nominated by. “They wouldn’t tell us,” she said.
So who is Amelia Ferris? Well, besides being is a sixth grader at Dobbs Ferry Middle School, she plays softball and soccer. She is also part of a book club. In addition, she is interested in chess. Sounds like a good nominee!
This program must have a huge impact on people. When I asked Amelia on how she thought this trip would help her, she responded with, “I hope this will not only help me with education, it will help me see the world differently.”
This trip may seem like all fun and games, but it isn’t. Amelia has to raise a lot of money in order for her to be able to go on the trip. In fact, the trip cost about 5,000 dollars. How will she accomplish this? “I’m trying to do fundraisers like collecting bottles, having lemonade stands, and making custom jewelry.” Sounds like three great ideas to help her get where she needs to go.
That is the scoop on Amelia Ferris. She is a lucky girl to be able to go to Canada over the summer!