Student Profile: Meg Kennedy

Much like our Leader Profile blog from a few weeks ago, we wanted to share some information about the type of students we have on board our trips. Just a reminder that all of our new applicants must provide contact information for two teacher references who can vouch for their motivated and positive spirit in the classroom or on the field. These teacher recommendations ensure we only get the highest caliber students on board our programs.

On such young lady is Meg Kennedy who has participated in three total Moondance trips, most recently our Kilimanjaro adventure in the summer of 2012. We thought we'd check in with Meg to see how Moondance has impacted her and the lessons she's learned from our adventures.

That's Meg with a young student of the Red Sweater Project during our Kilimanjaro community service section

NAME: Meg Kennedy

HOMETOWN: Kenilworth, IL

CURRENT GRADE: 12

PREVIOUS MOONDANCE TRIPS/YEAR: Hawaiian Islands 2010, Chamonix Alps 2011, Kilimanjaro 2012

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT ON A MOONDANCE TRIP?: The most memorable moment on a Moondance trip for me was definitely reaching the top of Kilimanjaro and having our entire group circle up and sing "Hallelujah" together. We all worked so hard to reach the top and I will never forget the moment we got there!

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO JOIN MOONDANCE? One of my older sisters best friends, Joanie Davis, had done a few Moondance trips and always came back with the most amazing stories to tell. So, in the spring of 2010 I decided I wanted to go on a trip myself!

BEFORE YOUR FIRST TRIP WITH US, WHAT DID YOU EXPECT? Before my first trip began I was nervous and didn't know what to expect. I was hoping to meet new people that would continue to be my friends after the trip and of course this came true! Also, I was excited about the chance to live in the outdoors for three weeks and enjoy all the adventures, especially SCUBA diving [in Hawaii].

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE DESTINATIONS YOU'VE VISITED WITH MOONDANCE? It is hard to describe in words all the destinations I have visited with Moondance, because they have all been so amazing and words can't do them justice. Hawaii was beautiful due to all the rainbows, mountains, and beaches surrounding us everyday. Also, relaxing yet eventful as we were participating in many new activities such as scuba diving, surfing, and snorkeling with manta rays. Europe was a mix of educational and astonishing. We were in four foreign countries learning about their culture and hearing languages different from our own, and the views we saw everyday on our hikes were incredible and continued to amaze me with every hike. Africa was unique in every way. The scenery was so different then anything I have seen. The idea of being able to see for miles and miles and the only thing blocking your view was wild animals and smiling faces of the members of african tribes, was heart warming and peaceful. Also, every single person we met and got to know were all so happy and content with their lives and that seemed to be the nature of living. All together it was very memorable and eye opening.

IF YOU COULD DESCRIBE MOONDANCE IN ONE WORD, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Life-changing

HOW WILL YOU APPLY WHAT YOU LEARNED ON MOONDANCE IN THE FUTURE? The skills I have acquired on Moondance will carry on through the rest of my life. I am going off to college next year and the self confidence and independence I have learned through all my Moondance trips and from the people I have met on them will enable me to take full advantage of college and not be scared of trying something new. On all my trips my groups and I have worked hard to accomplish a goal and the idea of hard work paying off will help me overcome any challenge.

Thanks to Meg for sharing her answers with us! We look forward to sharing more great Moondancers stories with you!