Southfield

S-L senior prepares for student ambassadorship in Europe

By Jennie Miller
C & G Staff Writer

» Click on image to view full size « Photo by Erin Sanchez Marcus Benson greets customers Roy Winn of Troy and Mike Kenealy of Bloomfield Hills at Hogan’s Restaurant, where he’s working to help pay for a three-week trip to Europe this summer as a student ambassador with People to People International. Photo by Erin Sanchez Marcus Benson greets customers Roy Winn of Troy and Mike Kenealy of Bloomfield Hills at Hogan’s Restaurant, where he’s working to help pay for a three-week trip to Europe this summer as a student ambassador with People to People International. Photo by Erin Sanchez Marcus Benson serves up a bread basket at Hogan’s during a fundraising event for his trip. Photo by Erin Sanchez Marcus Benson serves up a bread basket at Hogan’s during a fundraising event for his trip.

Marcus Benson dreams of watching bullfighters in Spain and going rock climbing in France. And if he plays his cards right, he’ll be living those dreams this summer.

Selected to be a student ambassador through People to People International, an organization that seeks to “bridge cultural and political borders through education and exchange,” according to the organization’s website, www.peopletopeople.com, Benson, 17, is hard at work trying to raise the money to pay for his trip.

The senior at Southfield-Lathrup High School will be spending three weeks in Spain, Italy and France.

“I’m still amazed that I’m going on the trip,” Benson said. “I’m amazed that they even have a program like this that takes students out of the country (to) experience different cultures and everything. My mom is a little scared — I’m a momma’s boy, and I never leave my mom, and this is out of the country. But she said, ‘It’s something that you should experience, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing, so if you can go, go.’”

Lisa Christopher, Benson’s mother, has never been out of the country herself, and is admittedly skeptical about overseas travel. She said she’s mostly nervous about language barriers, and the fear of not being able to communicate has kept her from personally exploring anywhere outside the U.S. But she encouraged her son to go because she knows what a rewarding and enriching experience it will be for him.

“I have never been one to travel abroad, but I’m very excited for Marcus to want to do that, to want to take on that adventure,” Christopher said. “I’m really happy that he’s able to go. (It will) give him exposure to the different cultures and diversities of the world, to open up his mind to other things, and to also appreciate and value what you have, because when you see others, I’m sure it’s different, and some things we just take for granted (and realize it) when you’re put in a situation where you don’t have it.”

Benson is a member of the high school’s yearbook committee and DECA, a nonprofit geared toward entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. He’s responsible for the communications of the Class of 2012, he’s a teller at Michigan First Credit Union’s student branch, a co-anchor of the Southfield-Lathrup News, a youth member with the NAACP of Oakland County and sings in the choir at New Bethel Baptist Church.

He works part time at Hogan’s Restaurant in Bloomfield Hills, which is helping him with the fundraising for his trip. Benson has already held a “dine and donate” event at the restaurant, and has another one planned for 5-10 p.m. Feb. 18. Patrons who present a flier, which can be picked up at Southfield-Lathrup or by emailing Benson at mrcsbenson@yahoo.com, can donate 10 percent of their bill to his trip. He’s hosting a “dine and donate” pancake breakfast 8-10 a.m. April 14 at Applebee’s in Westland. Tickets are $6 each. Donations can also be made out to Marcus Benson and sent to Hogan’s Restaurant, 6450 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301.

“This amazing opportunity is a ‘pay your way’ trip, and I am looking forward to seeing the world, connecting with other cultures and gaining the independence only travel can bring,” Benson said.

People to People International was spearheaded in 1956 by President Dwight D. Einsenhower to give everyday citizens of different countries opportunities to meet and spread understanding, affection and lasting peace. It is headquartered today in Spokane, Wash., and has affected the lives of more than 500,000 individuals on all seven continents, according to the organization.

“I’m excited for him to go, but I’m more excited for him to come home and share the experience with me,” said Benson’s mom.

For more information about People to People, visit www.peopletopeople.com. To reach Benson, call (313) 656-9701 or email mrcsbenson@yahoo.com.
 

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Jennie Miller at jmiller@candgnews.com or at (586)279-1108.