My Trip to the USA

My journey to the USA (Penn Relays) all began during my Easter holiday in April, my parents received a phone call asking for me to report to my school, Portmore Missionary Preparatory , to be trained for the KIDZ HUB MEDIA NETWORK RADIO PROGRAMME.  I was chosen along with Tajhan-Ali, Jhon-Marc and Danielle, to go to the Penn Relays as Junior Broadcasters.  I think I was chosen because I have the potential and ability  to do exceptional work, we all were ready to make a giant leap into a bright future.

We travelled from Jamaica to Miami and from Miami to New York, we drove from New York to New Jersey and from New Jersey to Philidelphia. We stayed at the Courtyard: Marriot Hotel  but,  we often spent our time at the Wyndham Hotel where the rest of our colleagues were staying. When in training, a fire took place in the hotel and everyone was told to get out of the building. That was a frightening experience for me however,  we took the opportunity to  interview some Jamaican athletes which was really good practice.

We visited the William Penn Charter School and were given a tour.  Guess what? We learnt that William Penn travelled around the world in a little boat! That is amazing. The tour was a lot of fun and we met the head principal, Mr. Blackwood. The trip was very educational and enjoyable.

It was time for us to go to the Penn Relays and while there I interviewed the owner and founder of the famous “The Door” restaurant in New York and a few Jamaican High School athletes. Some of my colleagues got a chance to interview Miss Grace Jackson, the Olympian, The Honourable Portia Simpson-Miller, Prime Minister of Jamaica & Third World, which is a famous Jamaican Reggae Group.

Being at the Penn Relays was a very enjoyable experience for me despite the cold, chilling weather. I am looking forward to doing it again next year. I am very grateful to Uncle Lance for making my school apart of this program.

Maraye Anderson

Junior Broadcaster (PMPS)