I had the experience of a lifetime in July and a memorable event upon graduating from high school. Back in May I was sent a letter that said I was awarded first team honors on the 2016 New York State Volleyball Team and invited to represent New York on the East Conference Volleyball Team at the 18th Annual Down Under International Games in Australia. I was unsure if I would go, but with my family's encouragement & will to get me there I decided to go.

I met many people from different parts of the states and Australia. I wasn't even nervous traveling across the world with just me and my brother. I just wanted to get there and play volleyball with this team I didn't even know yet and have a good time. What a rare opportunity to be able to say that I went to Australia to play volleyball. I'm thankful that my brother, my supporter, was able to take this trip with me as I wouldn't have done it with anyone else; it was such a fun adventure with him and it will be a forever happy memory that I shared with my brother.

Although my team didn't make it to the championship game, I still am happy that I had this opportunity. Our team came in 10th out of 17 teams. There was a beach right outside of the recreation center where we played and it was like a postcard it was so beautiful. The whole time I was there I couldn't believe it that I was actually in Australia. When we weren't practicing or playing volleyball we did a lot of activities. We went to the Currumbin Sanctuary, where we held a koala, fed some kangaroos and saw a lot of Australian animals. We were able to see an Aboriginal show. There was shopping, dinner at Hard Rock Cafe with all the volleyball players and coaches, an off-road bus tour up the Tambourine Mountain, and a skywalk where you walk through the rain forest. We had a day beach tournament on Surfers Paradise Beach, which was a new thing for most of the volleyball players as they have never played beach volleyball.

The girls that were on my team were from North Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, and New Mexico. I was happy to learn that the two girls from New Mexico were Navajo (fellow Onkwehonwe!) One of them gave me two small Navajo baskets from her home. I had such a fun time playing with these girls. Another part of this trip included a 3-day excursion to Hawaii on which most of my whole team went. In Hawaii it was our time to relax and enjoy. We went shopping, to the beach, and to the Polynesian center where we were able to experience a luau and tried some of their native foods, too. While we ate, they had Hawaiian dancers and a ten-year old boy dancing with fire - it was awesome show. We went to "Ha: Breath of Life" show (over 100 Polynesian natives performing song and dance) and that was such a good show, too. We went snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. It was so beautiful there. We went to Pearl Harbor; it was interesting but melancholy at the same time.

If anyone has the opportunity to go to Down Under Sports tournament I would highly recommend that you take advantage of it. The coaches, organizers and the whole team were great. Meeting new people, travelling to such beautiful destinations and learning about different cultures is something that I will remember for a lifetime (although I think I'm set for riding on planes for a while!) We had a lot of support from everyone and I couldn't have done it without them.

I'd like to thank the following businesses, community members, family and friends who helped us get there: Crossroads Tobacco, Twin Leaf, Butter's Quick Stop, CKON Radio, Akwesasne Partnerships Community Fund, Akwesasne Convenience Store Association, Tarbell Management Group, Joseph's Fine Jewelry, Brasshorse, Indigenous Spa, Mohawk International Raceway, Mohawk International Lacrosse, Akwesasne Sports, Akwesasne Mini Mart, Massena Plumbing, Smiths Lumber, Hairitage Hair Salon (Lori Collins), Ryber Promotions (Eugene Bergeron), Snye Recreation, Mohawk Vision, Sharon Cook, Mildred White, Hungie & Catherine Cook, Arvella Thomas, Angie Sunday, Robyn & Neil Mitchell, Heather & Brett Hebberecht, Mitch Tarbell, Ron & Millie Cook, Daryl & Lee Diabo, Sheila Ransom, Gary White, Toby & Lani Sunday, Maday, Deanie & Nash Sunday, Bobbi & Justin Durant, Kirsten Thompson, Carly & Sky Herne, Sherri & Dale Herne, Brent & Katie Ransom, Kelly Ransom & Corey, Mitch & Liz Sunday, Wilson & Patty Ransom, Kelly & Theresa Mitchell, Pete & Patty Francis, Joe & Trina Trombley, Shannon Lazore, Robin Logan, Jake & Brenda LaFrance, Margaret LaFrance, Janet Tatro, Tye Mitchell, Jerry & Terry McDonald, Tanya Jacobs, Emily Tarbell, Rose Oakes, Dean Sunday & Donna Arquette, Kuy & Lynn Chaussi, Debbie Cook-Jacobs, Trudy Sunday, Lois Terrance, and the many, many more people who contributed to the various fundraisers that were held. We are truly grateful for all the support and well wishes that we received. I apologize if I have left anyone out.

Sabrina Sunday