Welcome

Welcome to our on-line journal of events and activities as we journeyed across the ocean to represent the United States in the SAGE World Cup event in Abuja Nigeria. Our journal starts approximately one week before we left Los Angeles and ends with our return to the United States. Our return is not an end but a new beginning as we each travel forward in our lives, much richer for our experiences and in the new friendships we have made and in the strengthening and appreciation for our family and friends.

You will find our first posting at the bottom of the page and by moving up each post, you can follow along in chronological order. You may click on any picture to enlarge it. To read the comments or to add your own after any posting, you can click on the “Comments” link at the end of each post. We hope you enjoy the journey!

End of Our Journey - Personal Reflections

Jane Beck, SAGE Team Member: Although when we first arrived in Abuja, Nigeria I was extremely paranoid and careful not to get bit by mosquitoes, the paranoia had disappeared by the second or third day. With so much going on, the week went by in a blink of an eye...
Visiting the Ushafa village and shopping were a couple of my favorite things we did in Nigeria, because we actually got to see and experience the everyday lives of many Nigerians. But as some Nigerians refused to allow us to take pictures and even got angry, I honestly felt guilty because I learned and once again truly felt that we are lucky to be living in a country like the U.S.
I think what made this trip so special and unforgettable is that the excitement, intensity, and the fun moments we shared in Nigeria helped us bond and grow together as a group.
Not only did we bring home the Third place title in the world, but also the experience, knowledge, and appreciation of other cultures as well as what we have, which we might have taken for granted. I'd like to thank everyone for their support and love!

Yvonne Strahn, ROP Support Staff: How exciting to be able to visit Nigeria! Meeting the friendly people of Nigeria made the trip worthwhile even though we were required to receive several vaccinations and endured a very long flight. What a thrill to visit with the Umeh family in their own home, all 11 of us. Being able to visit a village school and tour the printing operations of one of their business mentors was also a highlight. Of course, watching the SAGE teams compete was interesting. To see the common threads of each presentation and the unique projects they had worked on during the year was inspiring.

Monica Choo, SAGE Team Member: A year ago, I never would have thought that I'd be going to Africa, let alone going to represent the United States in a business competition. The 9 days we spent in Nigeria for the SAGE World Cup was an experience that changed my life and will be one that I'll never forget. Through this trip I was able to see a world outside of the tiny bubble I normally live in, meet people from all over the world, as well as learn about the lifestyles and cultures of other countries. Although we had to endure 9 days of "different" food and sit in a plane for over 45 hours, that is a small price to pay for the knowledge and friendships that I have gotten out of it. I plan to continue e-mailing the friends I have made, as well as hope to recruit new members into SAGE, so that they too can experience what I did during the time I was involved with SAGE. -Monica Choo

Mrs. Teri Jones, SAGE Instructor: The most exciting part of any SAGE trip is the people: both the new friendships and bonding from the old. The personalities and the incredible dress of the Nigerians we met were what sticks with me most. The bright and intricate fabrics cannot be given justice through snapshots, as neither can the warm and welcoming personalities we met. Granted, not everyone was equally happy to see us, as evidenced by the angry crowd when we took pictures at the marketplace, or the taxicab driver who refused to speak to us or drive us. Yet the overwhelming sense of warmth and hopefulness for the future is what I take with me most from Nigeria. As more than one national told us, it is not the oil that is the greatest asset of the country, it is impact of the people.

Jessie Chan, SAGE Team Member: SAGE/Project ECHO has been an amazing experience. I not only gained the knowledge of the way a business runs, but have learned first hand that it's not as easy as it looks. I was given the opportunity of a lifetime by getting to know six amazing other students, and travel outside the United States. Not only was it my first time in a foreign country, but it was a place I wouldn't have volunteered to go to on vacation. The six students I shared my last year of high school with, are amazing beyond words, it was an honor being able to get to know them and develop friendships.

Jasmine McClain, SAGE Team Member:

Tenzin Chodak, SAGE Team Member:

Ms. Anita Kemp, SAGE Instructor:

Sonom Chodak, SAGE Team Member:

Alberto De Pablo, SAGE Team Member: