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Joy Beyond Bug Bites

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By Sahana Selvaraja

Penang, Malaysia—an exotic destination that lures travelers far and wide with its unique blend of culture, nature, and adventure. Those who chose to stay in Penang indulged in the ultimate island experience: basking in the sun's warmth, taking refreshing dips in the sea, and exploring the lively buzz of the street vendors in Georgetown, or simply sleeping 12 hours a day in the comfort of their bedrooms without showering for days. 

But for those with a thirst for adventure, the broader region of Southeast Asia beckoned. 

It was finally that time of the year for the Impact Trips. 

From the lively town of Bandung, Indonesia, to the royal capital of Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, our students have discovered new cultures, made new friends, and created memories that will last a lifetime. On the first trip to Indonesia, students partnered with local ministries to provide service opportunities, using sports and English to connect with youths in local prisons and orphanages. And in the second trip to Brunei, they built mountain biking trails and ran activity days for special needs families, forging meaningful connections with local businesses and not-for-profit organizations.

These Impact Trips are more than just seeing new sights and doing new things; they're about discovering the common humanity that unites us all and learning to appreciate the diversity that makes our world so vibrant and fascinating. While not everyone chose to go on an Impact Trip, others decided to spend their two-week vacation luxuriously. For instance, some seniors chose to travel out of Penang state. Steven Shen (12), a senior who traveled to Thailand, shared his most memorable experience: "The most refreshing memory from Thailand is getting bug bites, I would say so." While getting bug bites might seem like an unusual source of refreshment, Steven's willingness to embrace the unexpected is a testament to his adventurous spirit.

Meanwhile, Ray Lee (12) spent his spring break in Japan, "I had a fun time in Japan! Back before COVID started. It was an annual tradition to go there like every spring, and this was my last time going there for a while. I'm going to miss it," he lamented. Ray's nostalgia for Japan echoed the sentiment felt by many travelers who yearned to return to their favorite destinations as soon as it was safe to do so.

Whether you're exploring the temples of Georgetown or trekking through lush jungles, there's no shortage of adventure to be had in Penang and beyond. The perfect time to plan your next getaway is approaching quickly, with summer break only two months away.

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