Got a passport?

Planet College is an endless series of opportunities. New friends, new experiences and even travel. Most every opportunity on Planet College requires some basics, time, money and at least some preparation. Preparation often includes appropriate documentation and for travel outside of the United States a passport. Last summer a student, Brian, was invited by friends to accompany them on a trip to Samoa. Mostly this was for surfing and partying. Part of Samoa is an American possession which is why it is known as American Samoa. Part but not all. Because passport application processing can take several weeks Brian did not have a valid passport when he left for the trip. So when his friends traveled to the parts of Samoa which are not American possessions Brian was left behind. Tough lesson. A little preparation often goes a long way toward making life run a little more smoothly. If you don't have a passport it could be useful to look into getting one. If you do have a passport it is important to determine whether it is up to date. The Bureau of Consular Affairs, which is a division of The United States Department Of State is sponsoring Passport Day In The USA and the details are available here. Important details such as the time and money involved and US Passports issuing agencys are covered here. Look into it. Opportunity on Planet College often comes up when you least expect it. So, like a good scout, Be Prepared.