ZECO TRAVEL TALK

Last fall, one of our wonderful and generous long-time travelers, who wishes to remain anonymous, came to us with the opportunity to jointly offer a Zegrahm Travel Scholarship. Its purpose was to fund a trip for a worthy teacher or educator who could apply what they learned to helping young people better understand our world. To find this recipient, we sent out an e-mail announcement to our past-traveled clients seeking nominations for the scholarship award.

Needless to say, we received many terrific nominations and thoughtful letters which we turned over to the donor for the final selection. It was clear to this person right away who would receive the scholarship: Patti Richter, from Conway, Washington, a 4th grade teacher at Conway Elementary School. Her nomination came from a Zegrahm traveler—the parent of two students at Patti’s school.

The detailed and heartfelt letters from Patti’s students demonstrated the love and respect they feel for her—as a teacher and as a person. They wrote: “She is the nicest teacher in the world…” And, “She is welcoming new people to another world of excitement…” And “She is very very very smart…” And, “She will be the happiest person that she will ever be…” And, “She deserves to have the time of her life…” And, “When she walks in she always puts a Big Smile on your face…” And, “You should pick her!”

On the day of the announcement, the two 4th grade classes at Conway Elementary gathered together in a different classroom from Patti’s, telling her it was “to do a special science experiment.” The superintendent was there with them, as was the principal and the school tech teacher, who was ready with cameras rolling… Patti was called into that classroom and the announcement was made. The students presented her with a notebook with their letters and with the trip itinerary and details.

“I was completely shocked!” she exclaimed. I never would have imagined such a thing would happen to me. I have never been anywhere. I was born and raised right next door in Mount Vernon. I have never driven myself farther than the next town, Marysville, a few miles away. Once, when I was 17, my family took a road trip east to Minneapolis, and my husband I took our kids to Disneyland.

“My husband is also a teacher for special ed in the high school. One of our children just finished college and the other is currently in college. That’s where all our money goes. To be able to take a trip like this was unthinkable for us. Plus, I had been quite ill over the past couple of years so every day was tenuous until a few months ago when I came back to teach full time. To think my students cared enough after I’d been gone for such a long period of time…and I mean I have students from special ed kids to top achievers…It just confirms what I believe: that every single one of them has a special light inside. And for me to have this chance…it’s just another way to know why I’m still here.”

Patti will be traveling to the Mediterranean next spring, on the North Africa’s Roman Legacy voyage aboard the Wind Spirit. “The chance to be able to experience and learn about a different culture, to see all the architecture, the different landscapes, and the different customs of the people… Then to be able to take it back and share it with the kids who are themselves our future… that’s the most exciting part for me.”

All of us here at Zegrahm Expeditions extend our congratulations to Patti. We can’t wait to hear about her adventures either!