#ClipperTrippers

"Wayfarers represent those of us on a quest and journey of wonder and curiosity, seeking to ponder, discover, learn, know, create, and grow." - Nain Philp

"Take chances, make mistakes, get messy! Don't forget to make connections! To the bus!" -- Ms. Frizzle

“Each day of our lives, we make the deposits in the memory banks of our children.” – Charles R. Swindoll

Mrs. Medenica's favorite quote: "All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost." -- JRR Tolkien

My name is Janice Medenica and I am a 7th grade science and social studies teacher at Harrison Middle School. I'm currently working for the Maine DoE as a Technology Ambassador traveling around the state to deliver professional development about all things technology which is one passion of mine. However, travel has been a huge part of my life since I was 11. It has fueled my curiosity about how things work, the environment, and learning about other cultures around the world. It has brought me, my family, and my students (who I taught and coached at the International School of Belgrade, Serbia) so much joy and understanding about the world that I wanted to start something for the students here at HMS where I could begin providing small opportunities to them as well. 

This travel club, in partnership with the well-known and reputable company EF Tours (Education First), aims to provide students with the opportunity to travel with peers to destinations where they can engage in age-appropriate explorations and experiences that will help them gain an understanding of a new culture and country before the busy schedule of high school begins. My mission is for students to experience other cultures and explore environments unlike their own through immersive, hands-on learning. While classroom learning is powerful, engaging the five senses in the places or with the concepts they’ve studied brings education to life in incredible ways. 

Travel offers more than sightseeing — it’s about diving into a host country's culture, history, language, food, music, architecture, innovations, and traditions to develop a genuine understanding of how others live. It cultivates new perspectives, open-mindedness toward trying new things, and a deep respect for diversity. Travel helps young people build confidence and independence, strengthens adaptability and resilience, and inspires a curiosity that fosters lifelong learning. It nurtures empathy, global awareness, and a greater appreciation for what they have at home. Most importantly, traveling with peers makes the experience even more meaningful and fun, creating lifelong memories and friendships that will continue to shape them for years to come.