<p>I hope that you will keep us all posted! :)</p>
<p>Violet, this sounds like a good idea on the surface, but I think you need more info before you and your parents make a final decision. </p>
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<li><p>Will you be a legal adult by the time you travel? This has a variety of implications, particularly in terms of your parents’ responsibilities and the adults you will be traveling with. If you are left alone with the younger teens (which sounds likely), can you be held responsible for their actions in any way? It’s worth finding out ahead of time. </p></li>
<li><p>Exactly why are these adults asking you to go on their trip with them, other than the fact that they’re just really nice? I’m wondering what they think they will be getting from bringing you along. They probably really enjoy your company! 
This is something that they would discuss between themselves, and if I were your parent, I would want to know parent-to-parent what purpose it will serve having you along. </p></li>
<li><p>Do they mentor other teens in any programs relating to careers in veterinary medicine? Do you know anyone who has gone on a trip with them before? Some adults generously donate their time to community programs and are very active in youth activities. Experience working with other young adults could make a difference to your parents. </p></li>
<li><p>I’m hung up on mixing the employee relationship with the social relationship. I would not advise my own daughter to go on an extended trip with her employer and his family no matter how friendly they were. Other than the friend relationship you have with the doctor, he is also your employer, and anything that comes up on this trip could affect your work relationship. You might want to think about that. The basis of your relationship is work-related, and you’ll want to protect this valuable work experience. </p></li>
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<p>Imho, it’s not a good idea to get that personally involved with your boss and/or his (or her) family. It kind of skews things and makes it hard to separate work obligations from the personal friendship. Going on a pleasure trip with a boss can easily bring up resentment and accusations of favoritism from other employees. </p>
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<li> I’m also snagged on the idea that the doc would suggest that you consider taking that much time off during the Spring of your Senior year. He knows that you’re in high school. Normally, an adult, especially one who is your employer, would not put himself in a position to have that much influence over a student’s decision to graduate early from high school. Are they aware that you’re thinking of graduating early because of this trip?<br></li>
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<p>If I were him, I’d look at a way to include you in their family activities perhaps this summer, during a Senior year break, or after you graduate from high school. As an parent, I would not suggest to another parent that their son or daughter take that much time off during Senior year to go on a family trip with me and my family. They’ve chosen to home school, but that doesn’t mean that they’re unaware of what a Senior year in high school involves. </p>
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<li> Finally, if you are planning on taking any AP classes during your Senior year, think about AP exams in May. If you graduate early, it won’t be a problem. If you plan on graduating in June, it’s something you’ll need to discuss with the AP teachers you would have next year. You don’t have to take the AP exam(s), but most students choose to if they have taken the course all year.</li>
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<p>You have plenty of time to check everything out. It sounds like you are ready for an adventure, and I would recommend that you consider an foreign exchange program your Senior year or a student eco-trip to Australia this summer. Good luck! :)</p>
<p>Dang, ran out of time to edit!! Substitute “a” for “an” when necessary, and un-capitalize those “Senior” moments. I have more of those than I need or want! :)</p>
<p>I just want to say, as a high school senior who’s spending the year abroad on an exchange, that if you’re doing something cool enough, it’s totally worth giving up senior memories. I didn’t get to go to Homecoming…but I went glacier trekking that month! I won’t get to go to prom, but I can go clubbing until 8 am. I sometimes think about what I’m missing and feel sad that I’m not there with my friends, but I’ve done a ton of amazing things this year that just can’t compare. </p>
<p>That said, of course your decision is based on your individual situation and feelings. I can’t really tell you whether or not to go, but I have to recommend strongly that you NOT bring coursework with you to do. It might sound manageable now, but you’ll have so many things that you’ll want to be doing when you get there. Also, they do have the internet in Down Under, but getting access to it regularly to do homework might be a huge pain (unless you have your own laptop I suppose, but you’ll still have to do the work). Keep in mind that you’ll probably be busier than you think and, depending on the amount of work involved (which I suppose depends on the courseload), you might have to miss out on some cool opportunities due to homework. </p>
<p>It’s possible that the Plan B involving bringing homework with you might still work out well for you, but I just want you to think carefully about it before you commit. It’s one thing to keep up with X workload at home and quite another to do it while you’re travelling. Also, keep in mind that you may also have an effect on the other family’s vacation if you constantly need to take time to do work. I have online coursework here and I resent every minute that it takes away from what I want to be doing here, and I’m usually a good student who enjoys learning; I just feel that I would learn and benefit more from doing other stuff here. </p>
<p>Good luck with whatever you decide!</p>
<p>sluggbugg asks some good questions; it isn’t clear from the posts as to what violet3’s role on this trip really is.</p>
<p>Another option however, is to get credit for the trip in an independent study course that you set up prior to going. All you may need to do is write a report when you get back.</p>
<p>IMO, this is an excellent opportunity (assuming the details as to why violet3 is going make sense). I relate on two points - I graduated a semester early from HS. I spent the gap-semester working and was able to attend prom and graduation. Secondly, I spent 2 months working in Melbourne and was able to bring my sons and a babysitter (friend of the family). This was about 7 years ago, and it was a great experience for everyone. We didn’t make it to New Zealand, but did spend 2 weeks traveling around Australia after my work committment was completed. </p>
<p>If you go, PM me and I can give you some info on Melbourne and/or Sydney</p>
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<p>Great suggestion! It would be an excellent senior project. :)</p>