Entry I. Something Ventured, Something Gained

Have you ever heard the expression, "Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained"? It means that you have to try new things in order to be successful. I believe that this is true. I like to be a "venturer". By this I mean that it is fun for me to try new things.

Sometimes it is difficult or scary, but I have had many cool adventures when I tried going new places, meeting new people and even eating new foods. It feels good to try to do something that is hard for me and I am proud and happy when I am successful.

My love of trying new things has led me to all seven continents. (Can you name them?) I have slept on boats in the Galapagos Islands and in Antarctica. I have slept in houses on stilts to keep me safe from wild animals in Goias, Brazil and Marijeji, Madagascar.

Sometimes I have ventured to try strange new foods like termites in Belize (sour) and giant grubs in Borneo (super sour).

What have I gained from all of this venturing? Many new friends, rich memories and love and respect for people all over the world.

Last fall, Ms. Mallo from Room 5 told me about a new venture I might enjoy. She encouraged me to apply to the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund. The government of Japan believes that education is very important. They pay for teachers from the United States to go to Japan to meet people there and learn more about their country. I thought it would be a lot of fun to go to Japan, and to send back stories and pictures each day to the students at Fernwood.

It was a lot of work to apply for this trip. I had to write information about myself. I also had to make a plan for sharing my experiences with students back in Milwaukee. The hardest part was asking people to write letters saying nice things about me to send with my application. I was very worried about doing everything right. I wrote my application and changed it many times. I wanted it to be perfect. Finally, I just had to send it off and hope for the best.

I waited for 3 long, long months to find out if I was going to be picked to go to Japan with the other American teachers. Finally a letter came from Japan, and I was very disappointed. I didn't even want to open it. It was such a small thin letter. I was sure that it said, "Thank you for trying, but we are sorry you have not been chosen."

I opened the small thin letter and couldn't believe my eyes. The letter said, "Congratulations! You have been selected to go to Japan."

So, you see. Nothing ventured, nothing gained is fine for some people. As for me, I say, "Something Ventured, Something Excellent Gained!".