When we think of Thanksgiving, what comes to mind might be turkey with dressing and pumpkin pie piled high with whipped cream. Or maybe parades with marching bands, floats, and giant character balloons.  One thing that should always be at the forefront of our holiday season is gratitude.

This time of year can get crazy busy, but we should all take the time to be thankful for the good things in our lives. As educators, we play a crucial role in promoting this with our students. Teaching them the positive effects of living a life of gratitude is one of the greatest gifts we can offer them.

STA’s motto is “We Create Travel Experiences That Change Lives” because we believe in the transformative power of student travel. These experiences are not just about visiting fantastic locations but about collecting memories that can create a sense of appreciation for where we’ve been and the world in which we live.

How do we do this?

Student travel allows students to follow in the footsteps of those who came before them. Walking through Arlington National Cemetery or standing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in the exact spot MLK stood when giving his “I Have a Dream” speech is more than a history lesson; it’s a chance to appreciate the resiliency and creativity of past generations. Our trips transform learning from a concept in a textbook to a living, breathing experience. This is where gratitude starts, where students can begin to appreciate the sacrifices of the past and see the privileges they have inherited.

Students experience generous hospitality throughout their STA Travel Experience. One of the best ways to practice gratitude while on tour is by reminding your students to practice their manners. Remind them to clean up after themselves everywhere they go, including the bus and hotel rooms. They should say “please” and “thank you” on a regular basis. Teach them to honor the past by pointing out why the memorials and monuments exist and that these places are hallowed and revered, and our behavior should reflect that. These are not places for loud and rowdy actions but a time to be quiet and respectful. You never know who might be present at these places; maybe some have a personal connection and deserve to spend time with their loved ones in peace.

Student travel can significantly boost personal growth in our students. It allows the kids to spread their wings in a new way. They experience freedom in other places, learn to make decisions and discover life skills. Travel teaches them to see different perspectives and develop compassion and a connection to the history they learn in class. They build social skills, like communication and relationships with classmates and teachers. It can build confidence and self-esteem as they try new things and experience a new environment. As educators, we can take pride in our role in this growth.

When students get home from their trip, they bring back more than a new sweatshirt or bucket hat. They bring back a sense of thankfulness that will stay with them long after returning home. As teachers, we can encourage this to continue in a very simple way:  thank you cards. Have the students brainstorm a list of people who made their trip possible. Do a quick lesson in class on how to write a proper thank you note, then assign them three notes to write and send. (It is highly encouraged for the teacher to read them before sending:). Don’t forget those who allowed the trip to happen - your principal, superintendent, or school board. Lead by example and send thank you cards yourself. Encourage discussion about how it felt to write these notes and how the recipients might feel about receiving them.

STA is so thankful for the teachers who plan student travel, the administrators who support it, and the students who embark on these wonderful journeys!  It is our utmost pleasure to be your partner on this grand adventure.