The Van

Every year since 2012, I have driven a 15-passenger van on the trip to Pine Ridge.  The van is always an interesting dynamic-we spend so much time in the van that the dynamic can either be good or bad or somewhere in between.  We drive about 8 hours or so crammed in like sardines to Sioux Falls, then another 6 to the reservation, and then probably a good 3 or 4 hours a day driving from place to place once we get to the reservation.  My preference for the van is always a group that gets along, bonds, and talks and laughs.  The van provides a cultural experience in and of itself since many of the students barely know each other, if at all, prior to the trip.  We try to switch out van riders between our two vans so that the group can mix it up, and everyone has a chance to interact.  I ended up with the same group for most of the trip.  This trip always gives me a chance to get to know students on a more personal level than just standing in front of a class.  My van riders were Tim, Cole, Kendra, Ericka, Stephanie, Maria, Kimmi, Megan, Jessie, and Lacey.  What a fun group!  I never turned the radio on during the trip–there was constant laughter, discussion, and joking, and this was music to my ears.  In no way shape or form do I want to imply that the other trip participants who were not in my van were not outstanding students or equally as fun, but it just so happened that I spent more time with this group due to the van.  The positive dynamic made my time in the van much easier for me–keeping me awake and on my toes for the duration!