Few students have the opportunity to travel halfway across the world in their lifetime, let alone twice in the same year. This year, DHS has two students that have been able to experience such a unique opportunity.

Senior Kelsey Mills and freshman Olivia Mills traveled to Australia this past March and again in June. The trips were special opportunities to go visit their sister, Haley Mills, as she studied psychology at the University of Sydney.

“We hadn’t seen her [Haley] in months,” said Kelsey, which is rare for their family.

While looking forward to seeing their sister, both Kelsey and Olivia headed to Australia with different expectations.

“I was expecting a more Australian atmosphere,” said Kelsey. “My mom had always told me Australia was just like America, but I didn’t believe it until I saw it.”

Olivia, however, was taken by surprise at the differences she found between the two cultures in things such as language, movies, and even chocolate.

“I wasn’t expecting so many different ways of life,” said Olivia.

Despite their differences in expectations, both girls had amazing experiences in Australia. In addition to seeing Haley, the girls experienced many unique occasions such as snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, visiting several beaches and petting kangaroos.

When it came time to leave the first time, the girls again had differing emotions.

“I knew I was coming back. It was just kind of a see you later,” said Kelsey.

“I was kind of happy just because it was so different from what I was used to, but it was also sad because I liked getting a change from Kansas,” said Olivia.

Despite having different emotions the first time, both Kelsey and Olivia shared the same feelings heading home the second time.

“It was really sad. I realized how much I loved it and that I wouldn’t be there for a long time,” said Kelsey.

However, regardless of all of these amazing experiences they had, and the sadness of leaving, both Kelsey and Olivia didn’t lose sight of the reason why they were there.

“My favorite part of going to Australia was getting to see my sister,” said Kelsey.

Between visiting their sister and learning about another country and culture, their trips were a truly unique student experience that few others get to enjoy.