I went on a “free” road trip to St. Louis, took a “free” flight to Cancun (paid the taxes), and now I am heading to Boston on a scholarship. This post is about what I learned in Boston. I am off in the summer, but I believe in professional development.

Professional Development

Over summer break, I try to participate in at least one professional development opportunity to reboot my learning and recharge my outlook on school counseling. On March 15, 2019, I applied for a scholarship to the Harvard Summer Institute on College Admissions. As I sat at my desk responding to emails, I noticed the subject line “Harvard Summer Institute on College Admissions-Scholarship Award.” I screamed. Most of my colleagues thought I saw the mouse, which frequents the counseling suite. It was not a mouse. I had earned the scholarship.

The Harvard Scholarship

Because I was interested in attending another professional development, I had been watching flights to Boston. Immediately, I opened my Southwest app and booked a nonstop roundtrip flight to Boston before I finished reading the entire email. I called my sisters and told them about the scholarship. Because the scholarship did not cover flights, I paid for my roundtrip ticket to Boston. I flew in a day early to ensure I was ready for the conference on Sunday. The scholarship covered accommodations at the Hyatt Regency Boston, several meals over the stay and, I received a CharlieCard. Lynn grabbed her luggage and joined me Thursday.

Pre and Post Accommodations

My last day of school ended earlier than I had anticipated. At the last minute, I changed my flight even though it meant taking a connecting flight in Baltimore. Of course, I stopped by The Club BWI (Priority Pass Select) to grab some light refreshments. Although The Club BWI is one of my favorites, I was somewhat annoyed with the family who walked in with their dog. Not one of the five family members washed their hands before picking up food. I had booked a room at the Hilton Garden Inn at Boston airport because it was less expensive than a room at the Hyatt where the conference took place. Besides, I did not have enough points as a World of Hyatt member to cover a one-night stay. When I finally made it to the Hilton, snacks were waiting for me in the room, and I received a breakfast coupon.

All Work and No Play

Before I left Chicago, I signed up for free tickets to see the moving screening of Yesterday, a benefit from Amex Platinum. The screening was at the AMC near the Hyatt. I also had free time to shop in the area. There was a group outing to Fenway, but rain was in the forecast. Lynn went shopping in the area, and she took public transportation to Harvard while I participated in workshops. Of course, Lynn would find the replica of Cheers, and I met her there after my last workshop. The conference was over Friday, and after we checked out, I returned to the Hilton Garden Inn at the airport and used points plus cash for this stay. We would visit Martha’s Vineyard after the conference and walk the Black Heritage Trail on Saturday before catching our flight home.

Martha’s Vineyard

We purchased tickets on Peter Pan Bus Lines website and headed to the pickup location. The last stop was Woods Hole for the ferry ride to Martha’s Vineyard. We thought we had this planned. In my posts, I want to help you to travel better. I also want you to learn from any mishaps I encounter. Well, this was a learning experience. According to our calculations, we would have about two hours to spend on Martha’s Vineyard, but in reality, we had enough time to board the ferry, get to the other side, order some food, pick up a souvenir, and board the last ferry back to Woods Hole. Traffic on a Friday in Boston was horrendous, and it took us almost four hours to get to the ferry. It should have only been a 90-minute bus ride. There was no traffic on the way back.

Black Heritage Trail

Because we booked a late flight, we opted to become tourists and checked out the Black Heritage Trail. If you are ever in Boston, I highly recommend you find time to learn about African American history through this trail. Although it was hot walking the Black Heritage Trail, I enjoyed the beauty of Beacon Hill. Do not forget to stop at the Museum of African American History. We participated in a discussion and a brief tour. Lynn and I headed backed to the Hilton after we finished walking the trail to pick up our luggage. We enjoyed light refreshments at the Lounge in Terminal C. 

What I Learned in Boston

In my 16 years as a Professional School Counselor, the Harvard Summer Institute was the best conference I have attended. I met some great people and expanded my knowledge about counseling programs in other school districts. My head is still spinning from all of the learning. I am thankful to every individual involved in planning the Harvard Summer Institute. I would not have been able to attend this conference without financial support. If you are in a position to travel because of the work you do, take advantage of the opportunity.

On this trip, I earned 1,630 and redeemed 27,000 Hilton Honors points. I accumulated 1,500 Southwest Rapid Rewards points.

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