The Most Exciting Summer Yet

Hola! My name is Jessie Brown and I’m a junior at Tenafly High School. I couldn’t be more excited for the summer! I’ve been counting down the days since I signed up for the trip. I’ve never travelled internationally before, and Spain has always been my top destination for my first travels abroad. I first found out about Abbey Road from a friend of mine who spent her summer in Barcelona last year. She had nothing but amazing things to say about the program and about Abbey Road, and I knew I wanted to have an exciting summer just like hers.  Also, Abbey Road has the perfect balance of education and independence that I was looking for in a summer program! I couldn’t help but take the wonderful opportunity that this program offers.

I’ve been learning all about the cultures and traditions of Spain and Mexico this year in my Spanish class, and I can’t wait to finally experience them first hand! I’ve learned about Andalucia and “los pueblos blancos” (the white towns), and I’m excited to see it all in real life. I have taken Spanish since 2^nd grade and have always had a passion for it. I’m excited to be with others who share that same enthusiasm. My first word was even in Spanish, agua!

I am also very passionate about journalism and photography. Becoming a student ambassador with Abbey Road allows me to pursue both of those hobbies! I’m excited to blog and post pictures and videos to keep those at home updated and have something to look back on when I return home.

This summer I expect to meet many new friends that will last many years to come. By staying in a homestay, I am sure I will improve my Spanish speaking and conversational skills and learn many new things about the Spanish culture. I want to branch out this summer and try new things, whether they are different activities or a myriad of new foods. I can’t wait to interact with the locals and use what I’ve learned in the classroom in a real life setting. I want to come home calling this summer the best I’ve ever had and have a ton of fun!!

I don’t know what to expect! I’ve never been on a trip like this, but all I can say is I cannot wait to embark on this amazing journey to Cadiz, Spain. July 5^th cannot come soon enough! Vamos!