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Judging by Estates resident Shane Young's recent quest to Fiji, New Zealand and Australia, he has a new perspective on the world, which he was happy to share recently.

As the youngest of Steve and Donna Young's children, sixteen-year-old Shane credits his older brother Ryan, who traveled with the People to People Program two years ago, as the motivating factor behind his trip.

Ryan is now enrolled at Florida State University and Shane hopes to join his older brother at one of Florida's most historic universities after his graduation from Palmetto Ridge High School.

"We were in Fiji for seven days, New Zealand for seven days and Australia for five days," recalled Shane as he was still shaking off the jet lag from his long journey.

"I was part of a group of twenty-eight kids called People to People. There were kids from Gulf Coast High School, Cape Coral High School, Ft. Myers and there was a delegation from Illinois, too," said Shane as he also collected email addresses from those he met along the way. The students were traveling with teachers who chaperoned the entire visit from country to country.

Shane was selected to travel after a lengthy application process and he also embarked on six months of educational prep classes prior to departing in order to understand the expectations of the program. He represented Palmetto Ridge High School with pride as he connected with his own community to fundraise prior to his departure to offset the costs of his travels.

Both Donna and Shane visited many homes in the Waterways to sell Subway cards, which helped with the extra costs involved in the trip.

"The Subway discount cards were ten dollars and he received five dollars from each card he sold. We visited many residents who were very generous and purchased multiple cards," says Donna thankfully. "We are especially grateful to his boss and the members of Longshore Lakes Country Club and the Rotary Club of Naples."

With his fundraising completed, Shane was ready to travel, and his spirit for adventure from kayaking to visiting new sights changed his perspective of his own experience as a student here in the United States.

Submitted photo

Shane Young in front of, "The Three Sisters", a natural rock formation outside of Sydney, Australia.

"You could learn more from traveling than all four years in high school in the U.S.," summed up Shane of his experience.

Shane was surprised at the educational system of Fiji as his delegation visited a local high school there.

"I felt so grateful for what I have here. Their high school consists of little huts on top of a mountain and we were able to talk with the students." Shane added,"The guys and girls learn separately." Fiji's all female and all male approach to learning is mostly seen in private schools and colleges here in the U.S.

Grateful to his host family in New Zealand, Shane was thrilled to share their passion for rugby, too. They sponsored his home stay and he enjoyed wonderful dinners like freshly caught snapper with lively conversation about his favorite sport.

He brought presents for his hosts such as a Naples hat and a photo calendar of Shane's rugby shots and the Naples Beach. Back at Palmetto Ridge, Shane plays the position of scrumhalf, similar to a role of quarterback in football.

Although Shane is still recovering from his nineteen day adventure, he is ready to embark on another adventure, but this time it is a little closer to home.

"Tomorrow, I am leaving for New Jersey and then West Virginia where we will help reconstruct homes through Spirit Builders." Shane will roll up his sleeves and volunteer his time with other high school students to rebuild dilapidated homes and improve lives along the way.

"My goal is to get to Florida State University and maybe major in business, but there are a lot of choices," says Shane matter-of-factly. Meanwhile, his choice to travel with this delegation has expanded his horizons and changed his outlook on his education here.

To learn more about study abroad opportunities contact your local Rotary International Club or go to: www.rotary.org.