My name is Sammie Cass. I am a junior in college and I am majoring in Education. I am from Cedarburg, Wisconsin. I am excited about all of the activities that we are going to be doing. I am most looking forward to the snorkeling and seeing all of the ocean life. It is my first time out of the country, so I am also excited to experience the culture first hand. Lastly I am looking forward to bonding with the group that is in this program. An important aspect to understanding place is being aware of your own culture and upbringing and how that can impact your perception of a new place. It is important to acknowledge the differences, but be open and willing to experience a new place. One of the most meaningful places to me is my family’s cottage in northern Wisconsin. The cottage is a place that I have been going to for the past 20 years to spend time with family, friends, and nature. It is an amazing escape from the world and a place where you have so much fun. I have the fondest memories from the cottage from spending time out on the lake in the summer to exploring snowy trails in the winter.