Tuesday, November 4 ("Passing Grade"/ sailing to China): My temperature was fine, so I can travel no problem. I am traveling through China with Curtis and Kedren, a student who tried to organize independent travel to The Great Wall. Kedren attempted to organize 20 students, but everyone in the group fell through. Initially I considered joining her independent group because the SAS trips were sold out. But as I thought about it I knew I would end up working, to some extent, because of my authority with students, so I opted out of joining her group. Since her group didn't work out, I invited her to join me and Curtis.

The ship will be in Hong Kong for two days, then sail to Shanghai. Right now the plan is to stay in Hong Kong for two days…then go to Beijing for three days…then meet the ship in Shanghai. I can't wait to see The Great Wall of China!!!!

Wednesday, November 5 ( "Yes We Can"/ sailing to China): YES WE CAN! YES WE CAN! YES WE DID! I CANNOT BELIEVE IT—history in the making…America's first black president. Wow! Maybe the country is not as racist as I thought. Tears of joy. This moment has touched, moved, and inspired THE WORLD about the possibility of change…the possibility to hope for a better place…the possibility to invent new things. Not only were Americans rooting for Barack, but other nations were too. Today many classes were cancelled an a majority of the shipboard community sat in the Union to watch MSNBC. The elections committee asked everyone not to use the internet so they could quickly upload live feed from the internet onto projectors in the Union. Although we're in the middle of the ocean sailing to China, students, faculty, staff, and crew have just as much energy and investment in what's happening. It's just so powerful a sight to see. Students grabbed me and asked for a POC meeting, which I think is timely. Technically I'm not 'assigned' to these students, but I have such a connection with them and want them to have a positive experience so I've continued to be a resource for them. Tonight, after dinner, we discussed what this momentous event means for them. They talked about how they will become leaders and shared what contributions they want to make to the world. Personally, Barack's success means that anything is possible; he is the embodiment of hope, service, integrity, intelligence, and the American dream. Then I wonder if the American dream has to be limited to American. Can other countries also be prosperous? Being part of SAS has allowed all of us to see how we can all give something, somewhere. Barack's campaign was about encouraging each person to give a little bit, somehow, because a little can add up over time. It's such a simple concept that's powerful beyond measure. I'm removing cannot from my vocabulary. Screaming YES WE CAN from the sea! YES WE CAN!