This past summer teacher Doug Brown had the opportunity to experience something that made him view the world in a whole new way.

During the school year of 2014-2015, Brown experienced foreign exchange students from Sweden. These students opened his eyes about what others think about our country making him want to experience their country.  After the school year ended, Brown did indeed visit these students.  

“I had a couple of foreign exchange students, I went there to see them and the country,” said Brown.

However, visiting Sweden was not what Brown expected.

“I expected to go there and feel bad about my country, but the Sweds are just like Americans” said Brown.

Traveling to Sweden was not his only adventure. Brown took on the very difficult task of canoeing down the length of the Missouri River. He canoed down 340 out of the 2,341 miles on the Missouri river, it took him a total of 86 hours to complete the race. He completed this challenge with the help from fellow teacher Kevin Crean.

“Crean was a big motivator… but the biggest motivator is that I told a lot of people that I was going to do the race, and I don’t want to be known as a sissy” said Brown.

It took a lot of time and training to participate in this long race, but Brown accomplished his summer goals.