Well, it's funny to think that SWY1 in 1989 is ancient history now, but I think for us all, the trip remains a phenomenal and ongoing experience. As there was no past or alumni to refer to, I don't think we had any idea what an amazing adventure we were getting ourselves into. There were 10 Aussie delegates that year and I remember feeling we were a sort of cultural middle ground between a large group of Japanese and Latin country delegates. As soon as we arrived in Tokyo, I think we realised this was going to be a whole lot of fun. There was such an energy of exchange and excitement of meeting so many people from so many places. The scope of the program became apparent after a few days. Again. I don't think any of us were expecting it. As we settled into life on the ship, it became clear that sleep was not going to be a high priority! I don't know if things have changed but I remember the SWY staff were quite challenged controlling the party atmosphere on the ship. We did have very interesting classes, activities and discussions but I think the program was very much in its formation and sometimes the official program lagged behind the unofficial adventures on board! I do remember very interesting debates on Latin American issues, which to me at the time, showed just how complex social and economic realities can be. We visited amazing places - Hawaii, Mexico, Ecuador, Panama, but my lasting memories are of the people and the love. We still e-mail eachother, even if it's rare to meet up. It's a lifelong bond. I feel the program acheived what it set out to do; it changed our lives, opened our minds and set us up for exchange with the world that we could never reverse. I now live in Los Angeles. Brett, Mei, Sass, Janice, Fiona, Jennifer, Louise, Michael and Stephen, I'll always be singing Waltzing Matilda with you. 

Rebekah Henty