First Impressions…

July 13, 2026

My journey began in Columbus, Ohio, with a direct flight to San Francisco, where our Fulbright cohort would gather before continuing our journey across the Pacific.

Throughout the day, 18 other educators from across the United States arrived one by one. Every new arrival brought another smile, another introduction, and another reminder that this incredible opportunity was finally here.

I first met up with Kim at her gate. Soon after, we found Shanna and Saleeta, and before long the rest of our group began arriving.

What’s remarkable is that most of us had only spent one weekend together during our Fulbright orientation in Washington, D.C., along with several Zoom meetings throughout the year. Yet standing together in the airport, it didn’t feel like we were meeting acquaintances.

It felt like reconnecting with old friends.

There is something unique about bringing together educators. We come from different states, schools, and backgrounds, yet we all share the same passion for learning and the same commitment to preparing students for a globally connected world.

Within minutes we were laughing, sharing travel stories, helping each other with luggage, and taking plenty of airport selfies. Before we ever boarded the plane, I realized these weren’t simply colleagues for the next two weeks, they were becoming friends.

I was really worried about the long flight of 13 hours, I played every scenario out in my head of what could go wrong for me. I have never travelled in a plane that long and I just was full of nerves about it.

I managed to sleep on and off throughout the journey, making the hours pass much more quickly than I expected. Since it had been more than twenty years since I traveled internationally, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect.

Thankfully, from checking in in Columbus to arriving in Manila, everything went incredibly smoothly.

Looking out the airplane window as we descended into the Philippines, months of anticipation suddenly became reality. After more than twenty-four hours of travel…

I had finally arrived.

After making our way through immigration and customs, we turned the corner to the right.

Standing there were Derek, Jabes, Roch, and Dara, smiling from ear to ear while proudly holding a Fulbright sign.

After such a long journey, seeing their faces waiting specifically for us instantly erased any remaining exhaustion.

In that moment, we weren’t just travelers arriving in a new country.

We were guests.

We were expected.

We were welcomed.

From the moment we stepped into the airport until we reached our hotel, every interaction reflected the warmth and generosity the Philippines is known for. The drivers grabbing luggage and getting us into our vans.

One of my very first impressions wasn’t the skyline and it wasn’t the Jeepneys.

It was the people.

As we made our way through the airport and hotel, several individuals greeted us with warm smiles. Several of them placed their right hand over the center of their chest, smiled, and gave a slight nod. At first, I simply thought it was a kind greeting.

Later, I learned that this is called the Mabuhay Gesture, a greeting promoted by the Philippine Department of Tourism. It symbolizes Filipino warmth, hospitality, and sincere service from the heart.

That simple gesture spoke volumes before a single conversation ever began.

As educators, we spend our careers creating classrooms where students feel welcomed, respected, and valued.

Before I had even stepped inside a Filipino school, I had already experienced exactly that feeling.

Here I was – day one – learning something that already made me stop and think. As an administrator how can I incorporate a simple gesture of welcome into my own school? What small act could help every student, staff member, and family know they are seen, valued and that they belong from the moment they walk through our doors.

Sometimes the greatest lessons begin before class even starts.

I wouldn’t be me writing a blog it I didn’t share a piece of advice (my friends will attest). So, if there’s one piece of advice I can offer anyone planning to visit the Philippines, it’s this:

Complete your Philippine eTravel registration before you land and have your QR code ready.

Fortunately, I had completed mine before departure, so moving through immigration was quick and easy.

A few travelers, not in the program, around us weren’t as prepared. They were asked to step aside to complete the registration before continuing through customs, adding extra time after an already long day of travel.

As our Fulbright group waited in lines, we did our best to help those travelers navigate the process. It was a reminder that a little preparation goes a long way—and that a little kindness can make a stressful situation much easier. I wasn’t able to stick around to see if they made it through, but I hope a little of our kindness in that moment – made them feel a bit better.

If you’re traveling to the Philippines, save your QR code on your phone and take a screenshot as a backup – and print a copy. The internet in the airport was not working efficiently – which added to the stress of fiilling out the information for those travelers. You’ll thank yourself later.

As we drove from the airport to our hotel, I couldn’t stop looking out the window.

Manila is alive.

The city buzzes with activity well into the night. Restaurants remain open, traffic continues to flow, and people are still out enjoying the evening. Coming from Ohio, it’s fascinating to experience a city that truly seems awake twenty-four hours a day.

One of the first things I noticed was the number of scooters weaving confidently through traffic. I haven’t seen one of the famous jeepneys just yet, but I’m looking forward to experiencing one during my stay.

Every observation reminds me that learning begins with paying attention.

Our accommodations at a local hotel exceeded every expectation.

After such a long journey, walking into a beautiful room overlooking the Manila skyline felt surreal.

One of my first meals in the Philippines was a rich truffle mushroom soup served with warm focaccia bread, followed by a tasting fresh sushi roll and another soup that one of our friends ordered.

After traveling for more than twenty-four hours, it was exactly what I needed.

Simple moments like sharing a meal with new friends, in a new country often become the memories that stay with us the longest.

As I looked out my window over the Manila skyline tonight, I found myself reflecting on why this experience matters so much.

When I think about taking local experiences and making them global, I’m reminded that this is exactly what the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms program provides educators.

It isn’t simply an opportunity to travel.

It is an opportunity to become a better observer

A better learner.

A better educator.

The best professional development doesn’t always happen inside a conference room.

Sometimes it happens while walking through a city you’ve never visited.

Sometimes it happens over dinner with educators from another state

Sometimes it begins with a simple gesture—a hand over the heart—that teaches you more about a culture than words ever could.

The lessons I learn here won’t stay in the Philippines.

They’ll return home with me to Ohio.

They’ll become stories shared with students.

Ideas discussed with colleagues.

Perspectives that influence my leadership.

Experiences that help my students better understand a world that is more connected than ever before.

That is the true power of global education.

Now, as I lay in bed tonight finishing up day one blogging, I realize it’s the middle of the afternoon back home in Ohio. The time difference is just one more reminder of how far this journey has taken me.

Before calling it a night, First I wanted to check in with my family and let them know I arrived safely. Then I wanted to write down my first impressions while they were still fresh. I’ll do my best to get some much needed sleep and stay one step ahead of the jet lag.

Tomorrow, the real work begins.

I’ll meet more incredible educators, immerse myself in a new culture, and begin learning alongside Filipino teachers and school communities. While I’ve come here to share ideas from Ohio, I know I’ll leave having learned just as much—if not more.

I don’t know exactly what I did to deserve an opportunity like this, but I will never take it for granted.

My heart is full.

Maraming salamat, Philippines.

Day One is complete.

The adventure and learning has just begun.

🇺🇸❤️🇵🇭