It’s been around 3 weeks since we returned from the Young Ambassadors Tour, and the hectically busy life of school has been a bit of a shock after such an amazing trip.

I updated my Tumblr blog for every day of our trip, and all the entries can be found on the following link: http://ailishjean.tumblr.com/tagged/ya_tour 

I can honestly say that the two weeks we spent away were the best weeks of my life- I learnt so much about the war, and I made a new family in the other Young Ambassadors. The intensity of the Great War really came to life for me, and a highlight for me was definitely getting to partake in the moving Menin Gate Ceremony with Caitlin and Josh. Another highlight of the trip was certainly our week stay with the home-stay families in Arras- they were so welcoming, and it was an absolute pleasure to stay with them!

Since I got home, I’ve given a presentation on the trip to my school, and more recently, I also presented it at the retirement village near the school. I enjoyed being able to share my experiences with my school community, as I think they now are fully aware/appreciate what the Shared Histories project does; and at the retirement village, I had the privilege of having some of the residents share their personal stories and connections to the Great War with me.

I’d like to take this opportunity to once again thank all of the people who sponsored and supported my fundraising efforts for the trip, as I couldn’t have done it without them.

The Young Ambassadors Tour certainly gave me the traveling bug, as well as allowing me to create memories and bonds with places that I will never forget.