A few weeks ago my Aunt Bridget, a 6th grade teacher in San Jose, CA, called to ask if I would assist her in teaching her class about geography and how to read an atlas. “How will I do that when I’m on the other side of the world?” I asked.

The answer was simple; send postcards to the class from various countries along the route and update my current location so they can track my progress (check out Where in the World). They’ll learn about a country or region while someone they “know” is there.

Such a cool idea! There wasn’t a moment of hesitation – I jumped on the opportunity to expose middle schoolers to the world beyond the US (and California, which feels like its own country sometimes).

So, to Mrs. Gach’s 6th grade class:

Hello! I hope the start of the school year hasn’t been too painful for you.

I’m so excited that you’ll be following along as my brother and I travel. If you have any questions about the culture, history or geography of a specific destination (or anything else) please submit them Mrs. Gach and I’ll do my best to answer them.

I’ve created a map that I’ll update with my current location so that you can see exactly where Conor and I happen to be at a given time.

Work hard, be nice to Mrs. Gach and good luck with 6th grade!

-Kelly