RedStormSports.com E-Journal...St. John's Student Athletes in Vietnam

E-Journal...St. John's Student Athletes in Vietnam
Written by David Harrow and Jillian Sandoval

May 21, 2004

This e-journal will chronicle the travel to Vietnam of two St. John's student athletes, David Harrow (Swimming), and Jillian Sandoval (Softball.) From time to time the two will either collaboratively or individually write entries to be posted on this site. This particular entry is written by David.

The trip that we will be going on is part of a study abroad program that includes a week of study in New York and will continue with two and a half weeks in various Vietnamese cities. While it is obvious to say that this is not your average study abroad program, this would be something of a serious understatement. In addition to the various tours we will be going on and dignitaries we will be meeting we will be touring a Nike footwear factory. Taking the trip with Jillian and I will be nine other students as well as various other administration including Paula Migliore the Campus Minister to Athletics, and Fr. Jim Maher.

Jillian Sandoval

Many people ask me "why Vietnam?" I reply, "why not?" Upon graduation (or a few years later) I will be a teacher with a specialization in history (my other major). It is because of this that I feel that this will be the opportunity of a lifetime for many reasons. First and foremost I believe in teaching from experience rather then from a textbook. It is far better to have of smelled the air, eaten the food, and have talked to the people rather then reading about it in a book. Secondly my view of the world and its history is very western minded as I have been raised and educated solely in New York with minimal travel from it. I know there are other views on world history and I am eager to learn them, even if they do have Communist undertones as they do in Vietnam. And lastly I am ready for something new, something totally different; as I have never left the country I believe that I will get my wish.

It is now 11:15pm on May 18th. We depart at 11:55 on the 19th out of JFK. We will be flying from JFK to Anchorage Alaska first, then the Taipei, then finally to Hanoi Vietnam. The total flight time should be about 24 hours with us arriving at 10:40 local time on the 21st in Vietnam (we loose a day when we cross the international date-line).

Right now I am personally feeling a myriad of emotions; I am excited, worried, a little scared, and very hopeful. My main concern right now is packing. The climate is very hot and humid there, yet certain clothes are considered culturally unacceptable. Therein lies the problem, what do I pack? While I know this concern will pass, it is my foremost worry right now. It is not exactly like we are going to Florida where forgotten items can simply be replaced. We are going to Vietnam, a third world Communist country. While I do have this single trepidation, the sheer excitement of what is to come thankfully is prevailing. My Next entry will probably be after we arrive in Hanoi. If you wish to contact me while in Vietnam I will be able to access my e-mail at david.harrow01@stjohns.edu and will be happy to answer any questions or fulfill any requests.

St. John's University Athletics

RedStormSports.com E-Journal...St. John's Student Athletes in Vietnam