Student plans for European travel adventure

Loredana Seard has lived in three countries and visited three others.

This summer, she'll add to her travel adventures.

Born in Germany, Loredana has lived in the United States for about four years, once when she was a toddler and, most recently, when the family moved to Evans two years ago.

"For me, the way people live, housingwise, is very different," said Loredana, one of about 40 students selected to participate in this summer's People-to-People Student Ambassador Program to Europe.

As part of the summer program, Loredana will visit the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel, the Roman Coliseum, the Roman Forum, the Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles, among other attractions, said Natalie Johnson, the primary leader of the area group going on the trip.

"Students will see famous works of art, including the Mona Lisa and Michelangelo's David, she said.

Loredana, a freshman at Greenbrier High, says she's eager to learn much more about the people and the cultures of the countries she's set to visit. An A/B honor student, 14-year-old Loredana wants to "be able to understand better how people think differently and how it relates to how we live today."

She hopes her visits to the cultural and historical cities of Austria, France, Italy and Switzerland will give her a better, broader understanding of the citizens so she can share her experience with others.

The daughter of Fred and Cinzia Seard, Loredana previously visited Belgium, Switzerland and Italy and lived in both Germany and Holland.

"For me, I've just never been to major cities in Europe before," she said. "You hear so much about these places, and it will be good to see them. That right there is just an adventure for me."

Loredana's physics teacher, April Loss, will be among the leaders of the group.

"Loredana is a fantastic student," Loss said. "She produces quality work in school. She is bright, intelligent, positive, friendly, and I think she demonstrates great leadership skills as well."

Loss said the group will have a full itinerary each day.

"It is an educational adventure where we'll see and learn about art, history, science, economics and even the culinary arts," she said.

To help fund the trip, which costs about $5,500, Loredana is seeking donations.

To help Loredana raise money for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, please mail your donation to her family at: 5074 Sussex Drive, Evans, GA 30809.