Hi- My daughter, Montana, is in S. America with the TS group and only 15! Any other sophomore parents out there? Parents whose daughters have done a TTS semester before have any words of wisdom?
Thanks-
Donna de K.
Group pic on the hill
Group picture TTS11
Happy Valentine's Day!
8 comments:
Melissa is a sophomore, just turned 15. I have to admit that initially I tried to talk her into waiting a year. But she is so clearly ready and had great reasons for wanting to go now. I was already convinced this was a good choice but meeting the teachers in Miami definitely reaffirmed the decision.They are so intelligent and strong and confident-- their energy and enthusiasm just lights up a room. So I don't have any advice-- I just know that a lot of people have asked me how I could let her go off at 15 and I wonder, how could I not let her go?
Caitlin is also a 15 year old sophomore. So I think our girls are in good company. I could not agree more with Vivienne. Especially after coming to Florida for the orientation, I feel so grateful that Caitlin is able to have this experience. We also have a son who is in the 11th grade. So I know what's in store for Caitlin next year. Despite their youth, I think the 10th grade is the ideal year for our girls to go on this trip. All my best, Ellen
P.S. The TS teachers are awe inspiring!!!
Jenna is also 15 and a sophomore. Like Montana, Melissa and Caitlin, she was also very ready for this experience. She initially signed up for this semester, then in July started lobbying hard for the Africa semester. It was difficult to let her go two semesters (she's my only child and I wasn't ready to experience an empty nest), but as Vivienne said, how could I not let her go. One of the first things she wrote home was that TTS was "so the right decision", which is true. I'm confident this semester will equally rewarding.
Words of wisdom? Boy, I still feel like I'm learning. Feel free to post or email me with specific questions, though. In the meantime, know that they are in terrific hands and are having the time of their lives! The first few weeks were the most difficult for me. Once you start hearing from your daughter, read emails from the teachers, and hear the great stories, it gets easier. But, there still will be tough days before May 15. Donna, not sure if you went to Miami; if not, I can confirm what Vivienne and Ellen said about the teachers. I've met Claire and Heather, and they are both strong, intelligent, positive, supportive, fun women, and from what Jenna has said, so is Dawn, and it sounds like Cara is as well. They are terrific teachers and terrific mentors for the girls. And, I really felt like they got to know Jenna, her strengths and weaknesses, and helped push her and bring out the best in her. Be prepared to hear from your daughter less than you hope, and certainly less than you would like (some girls call more than others; Jenna never did get homesick). And, don't worry if the first few calls home aren't over-the-top positive. It took Jenna a few weeks to really get in the groove of the routine, click with the entire group, etc. But, they will really bond as a group and become the best of friends. Jenna liked to hear about things happening at home, so keep a list of news and stories to tell your daughter when she calls home, email or create a blog she can read and others can post to (nothing at home will seem as exciting as their experience). Know that work hard as far as school (it's not a vacation!), but the teachers make it fun. Before you know it, you'll be crying at the airport all over again when you see this amazing, confident young woman walking towards you who seems a few inches taller, is so full of life and excitement, and has just had the most amazing experience! It will be worth any angst and worry you might be experiencing now. Hang in there!
Thank you, Ladies! Especially helpful to hear about the ups and downs of the first few weeks. Montana sounded as excited and confident as could be at first, then a little more subdued. She's initially shy, but I'm sure she will warm up to the whole experience soon, and then...! I know it will be great to read the teacher comments and stories soon. And a local blog for hometown folks to contribute to is a great idea.
Thanks again-
Donna de K.
Hello everyone. My daughter, Adia, is also a sophmore. She also was soo ready for this. In a conversation with 3 friends the other day, we realized that all of us had the desire to do something like TTS at age 16. For my part, I wanted to graduate early and travel in Europe. I don't remember taking it seriously enough to even have discussed this with my parents, yet it was a true desire, and I went into a sort of depression for quite a few years at that point... so I have found out the hard way what can happen when deep drives for self-expansion/exploration are stifled. All the more reason to celebrate that our girls are having and taking just such an opportunity!!!
Hey!
My name is Devin, and I don't know if this helps or not, but I went on the South America trip last year. I was also a Sophomore, as was 3 other girls on our trip. When you go on TTS, you seem to forget about age. I guess I don't have a ton of advice either, but my parents definitely got the question "How could you let a 15 year old go, don't you miss her, she's so young!?". My parents answered the same, "We miss her tons, but how the heck could we not let her go?"
I was also the youngest on my trip. I swear that every single girl took me under their wings when we were gone, and I did the same with them. Homesickness is helped by the loud music played by your roommate and the laughs you have when they are trying to dance in your room to cheer you up.
Really-whether you are a Sophomore, Junior, Senior, etc- it doesn't matter. Everyone on the trip, no matter how old or young, are going to have problems and hardships, but the people around you help 100%.
ps- Whoever said the TTS teachers are amazing, is completely true. I learned more in 1 semester from them, than I did in the 3 years of HS I have had.
Thanks Devin! I just spoke with my daughter, Caitlin on the phone (for only the 2nd time since we left her in Florida). She is having an amazing time, despite having been sick for two days with a tummy bug in the rainforest. Caitlin sounded over the moon. There's nothing more rewarding for me as a parent than that particular joyful sound in one of my children's voices. All the best, Ellen
hello everyone-
So sorry i haven't emailed sooner. My daughter, Jemma, was on the South Africa trip in fall, 2006 at the age of 15, and honestly it was the BEST thing she's ever done. I can't begin to tell you how much she grew- in every way- from the experience. She was always fairly shy, but that trip really brought her out in some amazing ways- living with a group of young women, really becoming a family, and then sharing that feeling of family with everyone they met on the road.
I concur with everything that everyone here has said- and especially what Barb said about crying all over again at the airport. Jemma was such a different looking person when she returned- in a great way- more confident, grounded, self-assured and independent. She has always been a very self-aware young woman (which I would venture to say most of the young women who participate in these adventures are), but she's developed an even deeper sense of herself and her place in the world.
So, needless to say, she chose to take another trip with TTS and she seems to be having a wonderful time again. How could she not? Wonderful girls, incredible teachers, and experiences to last a lifetime.
Thank you all for letting your daughters join in this adventure- I know that Jemma is enjoying getting to know them all. As was said before, how could we say "no" to this?
Many blessings to you all,
Erin Ross (Jemma's mom)
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