Patricia is one of our amazing program leaders who change students’ lives year after year. With the help of her trusted Explorica program consultant, Tommy, Pat has taken her students on three tours to New York City. There, her groups have walked through the bright lights of Times Square, taken the ferry to historic Ellis Island, and much more. Get to know Pat, and see how Tommy has helped her groups take advantage of all the Big Apple has to offer.
What first inspired
you to travel with Explorica?
I remember going to Washington, D.C. with my eighth-grade social studies teacher. It was such an amazing experience! I wanted that for our kids, and in researching traveling companies I found Explorica to be the one that was more kid friendly. My goal was to pick a different destination every year, but my kids had different plans — they are captivated by the sights and sounds of New York City, so I don’t know when we will get to travel anywhere else!
What’s it like working with Tommy?
Tommy is my hero. Any time I have a question or concern, he is right there with an answer. He is always super respectful and he makes me feel as though he is truly excited to be working with us. He makes scheduling the trips so easy and I feel as though he puts our tour group first. He is also great at reminding me when deadlines are approaching, which, let’s face it, I need!
How has Tommy helped you to make your tours the best they can be?
Tommy makes sure we have great tour guides and that we have ample time to spend at each location. He is also quick to make suggestions if there is something new and amazing to do that is not on our tour. He truly knows what is best for our kids, and makes me feel as though I am part of the Explorica family.
What do you think the kids get out of it, and how do you try to go above and beyond for them?
I think that by leading these tours, I have opened doors for my students. Our students come from small families that have grown up in this community for generations. Most of them have had the same friends, have eaten at the same restaurants, and shared many of the same experiences their entire lives.
Many of them had never traveled outside of the county, much less across state lines, before our first trip to New York, so the tour gave them a true once-in-a-lifetime experience. It was so much fun to watch their expressions from taking off to landing at LaGuardia Airport. Once we arrived, they were mesmerized by the skyline and couldn’t believe that they were actually there.
Explorica has given my students a passion for life that no other experience can give them. I have always wanted to give my students the world, and traveling with Explorica has given me that chance.
Have you downloaded our new North American catalog yet? Download to see why teachers choose to partner with us.
