In one week, Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston teens will be on a flight to Japan. After spending the past year learning the Japanese language and culture, the ten teens and three staff are definitely ready for this adventure! As the latest group begins to pack their bags for this incredible journey, its an opportune time to catch up with Sectra Okundaye, an alumna of Explore Japan, and learn what she has been up to the past few years.
Sectra is currently studying nursing at Regis College with the goal of becoming an anesthetist. Recalling her time at the Boys & Girls Club, she absolutely loved the opportunity to travel to Japan, and noted how illuminating it was to go to Fukushima to hear the stories of those affected by the tsunami and earthquake. Going to Japan was her first time away from family and friends, and she found herself becoming close to fellow teens on the trip. Her adventure to Japan also inspired a life-long love for travel and learning about different cultures. She has since journeyed to England and Australia with hopes to travel next to a country in South America.
When asked what advice she had for teens embarking on their own Experiential Travel Programs expedition, Sectra said, “Be grateful and appreciative of the opportunity. It’s a completely different culture and you want to get the full experience.” She also said to live in the moment because the trip flies by. Once teens return to Boston, Sectra said they should focus on what they learned on the trip and how it changed them. Then take that knowledge back to their communities.
