My trip in Australia was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I got to train hard at a spot that is perfect if you are a spinner like me. My reward was getting placed second in the world next to Ali Wade, and Jennifer Chrimes. I was shocked. Everything I had ever dreamed of was all in those 4t5 second rides. Being on the stand was outstanding; I never thought it would happen. But it did.

Not only did I get to experience my first International competition but I also got to experience the cultural difference. Most people that first arrived thought that it reminded them of the US. But after a couple days you find many things that you would not in the US. Yes they speak English, but after talking to an Australian. You don’t understand them at all. Such as the word mozzies, which is a mosquito, or a ute, which is a pick up truck. You ask for everything in an American accent and in return you get stared at. I asked how much it is to rent a pick up truck and they thought I was speaking a different language. Not only do they talk different but they also drive on the right side of the vehicle. It is confusing when you are on the road. And not only that! They have things called “round abouts” as suppose to four way street lights. I still don’t get them. They are a circle in the middle of the road and you drive around the circle and to go right you take a left and go around the circle! Crazy!

Overall Australia was super fun. I enjoyed every moment of everyday. I hope to continue my travels with my family to experience more remarkable adventures such as my one in Chile and my most rewarding one in Australia. Look out big world, here I come!

Emily Jackson 2004

p.s. Special Thanks to my sponsor, Rachel Weise, who believed in me!