A little about... Bell

Me and my precious baby boy, Jase!

I've asked the students to write a "guest" blog post to introduce themselves. As we prepare to learn about these new cultures, we forget that there's a lot to learn about the people we're traveling with, as well. I love teaching so much, and I often am reminded how great it is that I get to spend so much time with so many unique kids. As they introduce themselves in their first posts, I agreed to set an example of what I'm looking for. I asked them to "tell us a little about yourself, what made you want to go on the trip, and what are you  most looking forward to seeing/learning".

My name is Bekah Bell and I grew up in Smithville Ohio, graduating from SHS in 2005. I went to the best university in the nation, Cedarville University, where I met my hunk of a husband and my closest friends. I went as a biochem major, and realized (quite quickly, actually) that a career in a chemistry lab was not for me. Once I switched to English, I knew I was home. My husband, Travis, and I were married in July 2009 and I started coaching volleyball and teaching at Orrville two days after getting back from our honeymoon. I loved everything about Orrville, we still live there, but I knew I needed my own, full-time classroom. The day after I interviewed at WH, I KNEW it's where I was supposed to be. I've been here for four years and have loved every student that has walked through my doors. I feel blessed to teach what I'm passionate about (American Lit and World Mythology) while spending my days with kids who irritate me and make me laugh all in the same breath. Last school year I gave birth to the world's most beautiful baby. I try not to brag, but he is, and I know I can take at least 50% of the credit for it, so I do :) When I'm not teaching or at a sporting event, I love to cook, watch cheesy reality tv shows, read, play the piano, travel, and hike. My students can attest that I have an affinity for all things coffee and Diet Coke, but I can think of worse addictions to have, so I keep on chugging the coffee and DC!
I have always wanted to travel. I think I could see the whole world, meet someone from every culture, and still have an insatiable hunger for more. My heart has just always been overflowing with a desire to see, taste, smell and hear everything this beautiful world has to offer. I always thought my first trip would be an England/Ireland trip of literary stops. However, my mythology classes really got my wheels turning. This elective grew from 20 students, to 40 students, to 120 students in three years. I realized there was a growing interest in travel and it electrified my passion for the course. I wanted to go on this trip because of the motto I have for my mythology class- "We study why people believe what they believe and how it impacts the way that they live." I wanted to travel with THESE students, too. My first year here was their freshman year, and I wanted to share in this with them.
I'm most looking forward to the Roman Forum (even though I cried when I looked at pictures of the Sistine Chapel), Pompeii and the Acropolis. I think seeing Pompeii just frozen in place will be a humbling moment. The Roman Forum has a special place in my heart since Julius Caesar is truly the only Shakespeare play I enjoy and the Acropolis in Athens will just awe everyone. I'm really looking forward to seeing the students be changed and impacted, though, because I get to bring that back with me :) And as much as I may want to bring back parts of the ruins with me, I imagine that is frowned upon....

Check back later next week as student posts start appearing!

It's OFFICIAL.

Hey guys!

If you're reading this, at some point in the last month, you've heard my excitement and anticipation for the opportunity to travel with WH students to Italy and Greece this coming June. As my delightful students finally admitted yesterday, "We didn't really think this would happen... I didn't actually think you'd get that many people..."

I'm pleased to announce... WE DID! As of yesterday, 39 people have enrolled in this trip. I looked at my darling husband last night and said, "What did we just get ourselves into."

We got into a life changing, unforgettable, irreplaceable situation. That's what we got into, and we're in it together, everyone!

I'm humbled, excited, and eternally grateful that you have joined us, in one way or another. Whether you are a student traveling, a parent sending a child, a family member following along on the journey, or a community member who heard about this opportunity, all I have to say is- welcome. Thanks for joining us.

This blog will discuss all of our pre-trip information, students will be guest posting about stuff we're learning in preparation for our trip, and it will serve as a central place for updates during and after the trip. Bookmark this page- it'll be a lot of fun to follow us. You can also find some updates at my twitter @volleybell.

Up next.... fundraising- the first step of Holmes County to Europe.