Suzy's Story (a must read for all delegates!)

Warning: What you are about to read is a true story. But it’s not just Suzy’s story. It’s every unprepared traveler’s story. Don’t let it be your story.

Suzy was 14 years old when she was honored with a nomination by a teacher to be a Student Ambassador. Like all People to People Student Ambassadors, Suzy was chosen to represent her community because of her maturity, responsibility, and strong moral character. To make the most of her Student Ambassador experience, Suzy participated in every orientation meeting with enthusiasm and interest. She listened to her leaders’ advice, took notes, and read all of her materials carefully.

When it came time to pack her suitcase, she followed the packing list diligently, packing only clothes appropriate for a Student Ambassador. Full of excitement, Suzy showed up at the airport with bags packed full and labeled, an extra outfit in her carry-on (just in case), and a deck of cards and a book to help pass the time when there were long waits. The moment she’d
been waiting nearly a year for was finally here! Suzy was on her way to Australia!

Australia was everything she had dreamed of and more! The Great Barrier Reef! Kangaroos and Koalas! Sydney Harbor with the Opera House! Plus the great people she got to meet!

But alas, on day five of the program, as Suzy was packing her suitcase, she experienced a disturbing situation. While she had not bought any new clothes nor any large souvenirs, her clothes would not fit back in her suitcase! She tried rolling, folding, stuffing. Nothing could make the suitcase shut. The clothes had expanded!

At breakfast she approached her leaders. “My suitcase! I can’t get it shut! I don’t have anything extra in it. My clothes have gotten bigger since we arrived. That’s the only explanation. My clothes have magically expanded.”

The wise leaders nodded knowingly. “Oh yes, Suzy. That’s what happens when you travel. Remember when we learned about how to pack at our orientation meeting? That’s why we told you to leave extra room in your suitcase. Not only would you need room for souvenirs, but clothes do magically expand when you travel.”

The leaders instructed Suzy to choose some items she could leave behind. Finally, she got the suitcase closed.

At least until she bought souvenirs...

The Moral

Can clothes really “magically expand” when you travel? The research has not been able to prove if they do or don’t. But we do know that Student Ambassadors often experience difficulty fitting all of their items in their suitcases after they’ve been traveling a few days. Not only is there no room for souvenirs, there is not enough room for the clothes they originally brought!

Don’t make Suzy’s mistake. Leave plenty of extra room in your suitcase. You can always wash clothes by hand if needed. Travel with the peace of mind that when your clothes magically expand, you’ll still have extra room!

The message you should email back to your leaders at charleshall@yahoo.com: "Don't be Suzy!"