I think that Australia would have a postive effect on me for many different reasons. One way it would have a postive effect on me is I have always thought that it would be important and educational to travel further then ocean city, but unfortunately I have not had the oppportunity to do so. I also believe that it is important to get out on your own at this age because we are making that transfer into independent young adults so not having unlimited money (because no parents) we would learn to manage money and make our own decisions on what we think is right. Another reason is I think that every kid should have the oppportunity to travel to see what the world is like outside of there own backyard, and for me this is just my opportunity.

I am a very good influence on groups because I fit in with every one and I don't get into fights with any one. I also am good for a group because I am not materialistic and I don't really care about allot of stuff that would bother other people like sleeping on the floor if other people had a problem sleeping in the same bed. I also am a laid back person that doesn't get in the way and talk about what I think we should do about everything, I understand that it is up to the parents which in this case would be Mr. Culp and Ms. Kate. I thank you for your time and I hope that we get to know each other further on this trip.

I want to go on the Australia and New Zealand trip because I want to see a different country. I believe that it is a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit the two countries. There might not be another chance like this to go. I have always been interested in other country's cultures, landscape and way of life. I also like being in the outdoors. I have already gone snorkeling and scuba diving in Jamaica, the Caribbean Islands, and Hawaii. I also have gone hiking and kayaking in Garrett Country. My family goes on vacations each year and I always enjoy going to different places. Also, if I go, I cold get a chance to interact with other students from the United States. I could learn how people from my country are different, while learning how other people fromother countries are different. I will influence the group because I am a postive person. I enjoy being in the outdoors and visiting different places. If there is an opportunity to take a sightseeing trip, I will definitely go.

I can't think of anything at the moment that I want more than to travel with the group to Australia and New Zealand. My reasons for this come in three. First, as a person who will inevitably die, I want to live a full life and fill as many moments as I can with experience. I want to explore and overcome thte monotony that sometimes becomes a part of life. Second, as a...nature-lover, you might say, I would like very much to see the scenery in that part of the world. From the landscape I have seen in "Lord of the Rings", which was filmed in New Zealand, it looks like a beautiful country, and I would be glad to catch even a glimpse of that. Third, as a writer, I am eager to learn of different places and cultures and people firsthand. Such an experience would greatly benefit my writing in that it would provide a window into another world, in a way, and would open doors to new inspiration. As for my positive contributions to the group, I can't safely say that I will have any huge impact because I have no idea how any of my actions will be judged. I can, however, truthfully say that I will do my best to avoid affecting my companions in a negative manner. I can only promise to be ready and willing to help in any way I can, to encourage exploration and new experiences while bearing in mind responsible choices. I hope that I will come across as a trustworthy person person that keeps an open mind and supports others in the pursuit of ... within reason.

I would really like to go on the trip to Australia and New Zealand. My grandparents went on a trip to Australia and New Zealand last year and they loved it. They brought back so many stories and pictures to share and I decided that it would be a very nice experience. Other family friends visited New Zealand and fell in love with it. They now live in their house in Montgomery Country for six months and spend the other six months at their house in New Zealand. I also feel that it will be a cultural experience. People are so much different than those from around here and I would like to experience new things I couldn't possibly do in Maryland. There are so many beautiful sights to see in Australia. While looking the intinerary, I read about all of the different places I wish to see.

I can bring into the group my fun personality. I like to laugh and have a good time and hopefully others in the group will too. I also look on the bright side of things. I have a postive outlook and try to influence others to think the same way. Overall, I am a fun person to be around and can really add a lot to this trip.

I want to go to Australia because it is one of my dreams from childhood. Ever since I learned where kangaroos and koalas lived, I've wanted to go there. My parents know that I've always wanted to go, and that was one of the reasons they were so open minded about this trip. One of my friends in college just got back from a study-abroad program there. She had such a terrific time, and experienced things I couldn't even dream about. I have family who live there and family here that has visited. Each time Australia comes up, a little voice in my head screams with jealousy because I haven't gone. I never thought I would be given an opportunity to go until Mr. Culp told my class about it. I have been told on numerous occasions that I am very outgoing. When people feel left out or excluded, I always try to bring them in and make them feel comfortable. I also know how to help people feel less homesick. For many people going on this trip, it will be the farthest and longest they have ever been from their parents. I go on many trips with groups and each time there are a couple of kids who feel homesick and need comforting. Maybe, I'm just warming to people or that I can act so motherly, but I can always comfort them, or think of ways to overcome being away from home. I want to go to Australia so badly; I hope you deeply consider me for a candidate for the trip to Australia.

When I was a little girl my parents always told me that where there is a will, there is a way. I was taught all my life to follow my dreams and work hard for the things I really want. Traveling has always been one of my dreams. Although I have not traveled much, it is something that I love. I have never been out of the United States, and before last summer I had never been further west than Virginia. My mom decided to to take my sister and me on a trip to California to meet some of our relatives and to do some exploring. I got to spend two unbelievable weeks getting to know family members I had not previously met, and seeing incredible landscapes in places like Yosemite. That trip changed my outlook on the world by making me realize how much there is out there to discover, experience and explore. The trip will be something I remember for the rest of my life.

I am hoping that this trip Australia will be the same way. When I was younger, I was invited on trips similar to this but my parents always decided that I was too young to go. When Mr. Culp proposed the Australia trip, I was so excited but I tried not to get too worked up, realizing that my parents might say no. I was actually surprised when my mom said she would consider letting me go. After a lot of persuasion my parents have agreed to let me go under one condition. I have to pay for the entire trip on my own. A lot of kids decided not to go on the trip because they did not want to raise the money but I think for me, it is going to make the trip mean twice as much. I know it is going t be a lot of work, but I am willing to put in as much time as it takes to raise this money. I am aware that there are a lot of other things that $4,000 can buy but sometimes you have to take a chance. I want to prove to myself that I really can do anything I set my mind to.

One of the reasons I want to go on this trip is to experience new things, so I think I will be a good addition to the group. I have no problem trying new things, meeting new people, or working in groups. I am definitely a people person and I get along with just about everyone. My enthusiasm is another thing I willbring to the group. I realize that this is the chance of a life time and I am really looking forward to it.

Thank you for considering me for this awesome trip.

I am writing this e-mail because I am totally PSYCHED about the trip to Australia. Australia is the one place in the world that I have always wanted to visit ever since I was a young boy. Experienceing another part of the world, especially Australia, will help me to get a better understanding of other countries and how their cultures differ from ours. I will be an asset to the group because my glass is half full. I am a very fun person to be around, and I have good character. Traveling to another country will enrich my life greatly, and help me to become a more rounded person.

The trip to Australia seems like a really awesome experience. I want to be able to go so I can see this different part of the world. I love to travel and I have never been to Australia so I would really love to go. I feel I would be a good influence to the group also. I would be responsible and mature while on the trip. I would definitely stay out of trouble also. I know what would be expected of me on the trip and I would try my best to be the best influence I can on the group. I have wanted to go to Australia all my life and now I have a chance, so I would really like to go.

Why I would like to go on the trip to New Zealand and Australia. Like I told you when we were talking in the hallway today, I really want to go somewhere far and find myself. I was thinking about going out somewhere far, like what you did when you were in college, and adventure the world, to see what's out there. I want to get out of the U.S. and really see wht life is really like in the real world. I'll be able to learn a lot about what's out there, how and when to spend money without my parents, how to live without my parents right there by my side, and to get along and meet new and different people. Seeing different scenery and places, and eating the new an different foods will bring a lot more excitement to the trip.;

I see the trip as an adventure to learn. Learn now to survive without parents there to aid you as in what they can't teach you at school. No one can teach you how, you have to do it for yourself. The trip will also teach me what it's like in a different country and not the same old U.S. Things aren't that much different between states in the U.S. I just want you to know right now, if you don't already know, that I don't plan on going on this trip to just party the whole time and I'm not a drinker nor smoker. You said yourself the when you went to Australia, it was just amazing and I want to be part of an experience like that.

I also think that I bring a postitive attitude to a group of people. I try to keep people in good moods and like to joke around with people, like you and I did last year.

I want to go to have fun and I think you know already that I like to have fun. I had a great and fun time in your geometry class last year! We always had fun together.

The reason I really want to go to Australia is because I may not be able to go anytime soon, and I think that the reason that this trip would be so exciting is because it is a great learning experience and will defintely be the best vacation I will ever go on. I mean what is better than seeing the world and being with your good friends at the same time? I think that this trip will definitely be a life-changing experience, and it is definitely something I will fully commit to, and something that tops everything on my schedule; trust me, you won't have a problem with me. I think that the reason I will positively influence the group is because I am not a "problem child", and I won't do anything that will make you regret taking me. I am a good kid and there really isn't anything you have to worry about here. I seriously hope you consider taking me on the trip...please!!! (Trust me, it took a lot of convincing on my parents end, but I got through that and after all that I really hope I can go on this trip!!!)

I want to thank you for actually running a trip like this as well, because I think that is awesome that you care so much for us and are doing this!

Since I was 7 or 8 years old I have talked a great deal about traveling. I used to tell my parents I'm going to go to Italy, France and Australia to ride the kangaroos. That however is not why I want to go on this trip, though it would be nice to ride on one. At the moment I have been no farther than Canada - consisting fo our of the state; I have traveled to a numerous amount of states for vacations. I love to learn about different cultures and areas. My father has to travel a great deal and it is always fun to listen to the stories of his travels. I think I would be a positive influence on the group because I am one of the happiest and nicest person anyone will ever meet. Another reason that I will be a positive influence will be that I will just be there for people and help them through situations.

Ever since I first heard about Australia and New Zealand, I 've wanted to go their beauty and history fascinated me. I know I would be a positive influence for this group because not only am I optimistic but I'm also outgoing and flexible. I just love to learn and have a good time. I also know that this is an amazing opportunity and learning experience for me, and if I don't go I will regret it each passing day.

I would love to be a part of your trip to Australia and New Zealand next summer. I think this is an amazing opportunity, one not to be overlooked, and will prove as an unforgettable experience for everyone. I love to travel and have traveled a lot with my family in the past. I love learning about different parts of the world, and seeing other people, cultures, and places. I sincerely think you acquire knowledge through travel that is impossible to get in any classroom, a very beneficial opportunity. Also, by going, I would get a chance to be exposed to many different things through the tours, etc that are unique to this trip, with a group such as this one, and I know this chance will probably never come about again. I think I will postiviely influence the group by being a flexible, eager, and postive group member. Thank you for offering this amazing opportunity to us, I know it will be the experience of a lifetime.

I am very excited to be able to go to Australia/New Zealand trip next summer. It's a once in a lifetime experience, and I want to take my chance to go. It will be incredible to go outside of the U.S., and to see a new culture, new people, and a whole different place that I'm used to. My friend and grandparents told me that Australia and New Zealand are the most gorgeous places I could ever see. This trip will also give me a chance to get closer to both you and the other kids going. I can also meet new people (the other school we will be going with). This trip will give me the chance to do things and see things that I will probably never have the chance to do and see again. I will positively influence the group because I'm almost always optimistic, I'm fun to be around, I'm friendly with everyone, and I don't bring anyone down. It would be an incredible experience for me to go ont his Australia/New Zealand trip.

I would like to go on this trip because it will give me a better outlook on how other cultures live and it will give me experiences with other parts of the world. Also, being a world traveler looks good on a college application. I will positively influence the group by acting with respect towards the other kids and the chaperones and by offering some guidance to the other travelers because I am older than most of the others and I have had previous experience with world travel. I think this will be a great trip and I am looking forward to it.

I would like to attend this trip to New Zealand and Australia because I believe I could help the group enjoy themselves on this trip. I am an overall friendly and fairly intelligent person which I hope could help the group if there is any problem while we are attending these countries. I try to make the people around me have fun, which I believe you think is the overall objective of this trip other than the cultural enlightenment we will get from these two beautiful countries. This trip may also help me gain knowledge on the marine life of the waters surrounding the countries. I would like to study Marine Biology when I go to college and having this information may help me in the long run. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most interesting things in this entire world. I have been waiting my whole life to see some of these beautiful sights that I saw on television. This trip gives me the chance to do this. This trip is one that will change a person's life. I can not wait to take this journey to the amazing lands of New Zealand and Australia.

Australia is known as the land down under. It used to be a place for all the prisoners from Europe to go. Now it is a beautiful country, not just to the eye. The people are more genial. It is more like how America used to be fifty years ago. It has big cities, but it has protected its wildlife and natural landscapes.

New Zealand has been described as Australia's little cousin. New Zealand has its mountainscapes that will take anyone's breath away. Plus, "Lord of the Rings" was filmed there, why wouldn't I want to go? The best part of all is that I would be able to use words like bonzer, bodgy, dux and exy.

I've been interested in visiting Australia for about 3 years now. Something about the country has always intrigued me and I am very eager to learn more about the culture and just experience being there. The pictures I've seen are gorgeous, both of Australia and New Zealand. About a year and a half ago I started looking into exchange programs to Australia, but unfortuately the programs were too expensive at the time and the minimum stays were about two months. I think that this trip could be even more interesting and educational than an exchange program because you get to do so much to experience the culture and visit more than one area. Also, you're with people you know which always makes things more fun. I've had two penpals in the last few years that have been from Australia, one of which I still keep in touch with through e-mails and IMs. Through her I've learned a bit about things "down under" and it just seems so different than here. I've never really done any traveling out of the country before, and everyone says that it can be a life-changing experience. Not that I'm looking for something life-changing, but I definitely think this experience could help me grow and I think I will have an excellent time. Plus, I want to see the kangaroos.

I think that I could impact the group positively because I consider myself to be pretty easy to get along with. I don't mind going with the flow and am eager to experience new things. I'm also a fairly nice person.

I would really like to attend the trip to Australia and New Zealand with you in 2005. I think this is an amazing opportunity for me because I have always wanted to go to Australia and have never had the chance. This opportunity will probaly not come up again any time soon. It would also be a good learning experience to be in another country and a different part of the world. I think I would postively influence the group because I would realize that being in a group setting I would need to be respectful of other people and also respnosible for myself being as this would be the best thing for the group and it will ensure that everyone has a good time. This is something that I would really enjoy being a part of and I hope that I will get the chance to.

I believe going go Australia would be a chance of a lifetime. When I was little, I had a nanny who was from New Zealand and who visited Maryland often. She would always tell me it was beautiful there, with clear waters and beautiful mountains; a lot different from Maryland. I have wanted to take a trip there ever since I was a little girl, and have never had an opportunity to go until now. I believe this would change my life forever. If I was chosen to be taken on this trip, I would act responsible and be respectful to everyone at any time, as I represent my family and Broadneck High School. I do not want to go on this trip only because it would be fun, but because I would love to learn about Australian and New Zealand culture and living styles that differ from Americans. Also, I have never been out of the United States, and probably will never get the chance except for this.

When my sister was in middle school, she had a French teacher who took her to Paris and arranged for them to stay with French families to learn about how they lived. She told me it was an awesome experience and that it allowed her to learn about the French culture. I wold love to be given an opportunity to learn about a different culture, and would never be able to forget it. Please consider taking me on this trip of a lifetime.