Every summer, students and teachers alike flock to the beaches to soak in the sunlight and wash away the stress of a finished school year. The beach has become symbolic of summer; a gathering of all types of people with only one goal: to relax. Across the world there are big beaches and small beaches, artificial beaches, and even nude beaches. Among the students and their families that voyage to these grand watering holes are Langley teachers and faculty, creating memories in the sand.
At least one Langley faculty member has an entire childhood of beach memories. Coach Kelly grew up in South Jersey on Avalon beach, known for its expensive beachfront property which makes it one of the priciest east coast cities. Until college, Coach Kelly lived in summer all year long; playing volleyball and going to the beach with her friends. “One of my favorite things to do when I was in high school and my later years when we were able to drive, we would meet up on the beach at Wednesday and called Wednesday Friends day. Everyone always made sure they had Wednesday’s off.” remembered Coach Kelly. Coach Kelly returns to the beach every summer to see family and enjoy the beach, just as before. “I miss the beach the most. I love it here, but I miss the water,” said Coach Kelly.
Not all beach memories are pleasant ones though. Langley’s new counselor, Mr. Mantel was enjoying his time in Cancun, a popular beach on the Caribbean. However, there is such thing as too much time in the sun. “I got the worst sunburn of my life in New Mexico. The sunburn was so intense, I was in my hotel room for the next two or three days watching Law and Order, using lots of Alavera for recovery. Very painful, a lot of peeling,” said Mr.Mantel.
Langley Spanish teacher, Ms. Nemechek, recalled her most memorable beach trip fondly. “My most memorable time going to the beach was circa 2008, and was the first time I ever went to Spain. I met a friend from the South of Spain in Rota.” She went to the beach during Spring Break when she was studying in school. Rota, Spain is known for its Naval Base, beautiful architecture, and huge beaches. Ms. Nemecheck spent a lot of time doing standard beach activities like “sunbathing, swimming and eating a lot.” But what made it memorable was the cultural experience that she gained. “It was my first time in Spain, and it was also the first time that I realized that girls sunbathe topless, so that was surprising. That was probably why it was so memorable. It was also the first time that I traveled with more guys than girls.”All in all, “It was a pretty awesome trip”, concluded Ms. Nemecheck. “It was fun. It was a beautiful beach, and I would love to go back someday.”
Langley students should keep a lookout now on their beach vacations. You never know if it’s another Saxon under the umbrella next to you.