Skip to main content

Reflections from the Program Manager

 

July 24: The Finish Line
 
Yesterday afternoon, students wrote their final exams.  Their teachers had prepared them well, and these students should all be proud of how they managed a potentially stressful situation. Afterwards, they put on their best outfits, because it was time to celebrate!  
 
Our banquet started with a feast of appetizers, then pasta, followed by the main course.  During dessert. The teachers presented all the students with fun awards that reflecting their characteristics, achievements, or lasting memories.
 
Then, the teachers and I gave each student a Rome tote bag — we wanted each of them to have a souvenir of the last place our group will all get to enjoy time together.  This month really has been a unique moment in time for this crew.  The fact that these wonderful individuals signed up for this program at this time in their lives. Even if they had followed the same itinerary with a slightly different group or in a different year, that would have made it a different experience.  If they return to the places we’ve visited together (as I hope they do), they will see them through slightly different eyes, but they will remember this summer, and their 2024 Grand Tour.
 
The students spent time autographing each others’ tote bags, turning them into personalized souvenirs not just of the program, but of the unique group of people with whom they got to spend this month.
 
The last of our celebration was all about the music.  The teachers and I serenaded the kids with a couple songs, then some students got up to sing.  Some came to the podium to share a few heartfelt words with the group.  Everyone  sang together.  Everyone danced together.  Everyone enjoyed the moment together.
 
 What a fantastic group you are together.  
 
I hope you all look back on this month and treasure the connections, the learning, and the memories you’ve made on this program.  Like we all sang last night, “It’s something unpredictable, but in the end it’s right.  I hope you had the time of your life.” 🎶