My name is Travis Gardner and I am a senior Social Studies Education major at Henderson State University. I am 22 years old and have lived Daingerfield Texas since I was 8. I am excited to go on this trip because it is a once in a lifetime opportunity to create memories and have experiences that would be otherwise unavailable to me. Music is a huge part of my life as I am a percussionist. I spend much of my time listening to music especially when I study or write. I have an incredibly open mind and never get offended. I always look forward to listening to someone's differing opinion on a matter. I love discussions, debates, arguments, etc. and often look for opportunities to open up my mind and, in turn, hopefully open up someone else's.
One reason that I want to become a high school social studies teacher is because I want to motivate students to go on after high school to do bigger and better things, and the best way I know to do that is through example. I hope to inspire aspirations of greatness by showing students the influential figures of the past. I also want to inspire my students to create their own ideas, ask "why questions," and be open minded to new ideas, possibilities, and points of view.
I truly cannot fathom what this trip is going to be like. I have no expectations for the trip. I want a completely blank slate so that I can keep an open mind on the trip. I look forward to trying everything that the trip has to offer and intend to say "yes" to everything on this trip. I most look forward to experiencing the different cultures within the cities and countries.
