Thirty high school students were selected as student ambassadors to represent the State of Hawaii. We travelled to the opposite side of the globe to England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

First, there was an informational meeting held on each island. Parents and students were invited to learn about the People to People Student Ambassador Program.

After this meeting, students could submit an application (with their parent's permission), three letters of recommendation, and a health form. Students also could apply for program loans, or learn tips for fundraising in order to go on this magnificent trip.

The next step was an interview with the delegation leaders. The purpose of the interview was to allow the delegation leaders to learn about the student applicant, and for the student to learn about the program. The interview was enjoyable and not nerve racking. I had my interview at the counter of the California Pizza Kitchen over a coke.

The acceptance envelope arrived! This was the first step of my journey. Now I had to apply for a passport at my local post office. Between January and May, I received orientation materials, and began researching information about the countries I was going to visit. On Oahu there were monthly meetings to meet the other student ambassadors and to make sure we were completing our pre-travel activities. One day I even received a letter from Sir Andrew Bowden, of the House of Commons in England. He was looking forward to meeting me during my visit to London. I couldn't wait to go!

The big day came, June 13, 2000! The student ambassadors were greeted at Honolulu International Airport by Mr. William Park, the Hawaii delegation leader. Many of us were sad to leave our parents, and for some, it was their first trip away from Hawaii. We were all anxious to see the Tower of London, the Millenium Dome, and begin our trip.

When we arrived in London we went to....