From seeing penguins and whales to a polar plunge in the Antarctic waters, Honors English 10 teacher Annamarie Wilfahrt returns with new experiences for the classroom.

“I was reminded personally that you can experience new things, look at things and go back to having that childlike wonder and excitement,” Wilfahrt said.

During Park’s winter break, Wilfahrt went on a 12-day excursion to Antartica. This trip marks her seventh continent visited.

“I am able to bring a lot of those stories back into the classroom and just open the world to some students who don’t have the opportunities to travel,” Wilfahrt said.

Sophomore Alex Hager said he admires the goals Wilfahrt sets for herself.

“She is a person who sets goals for herself and then she fulfills them,” Hager said, “She set a goal for herself which (was to) visit all seven continents, and she fulfilled it.”

Wilfahrt said she feels Antarctica has been one of her most memorable adventures, with both the amazing sights seen and what she got to learn.

“It truly was a really grand expedition and there were times where you would look at some of the stunning scenery and it was just beyond words,” Wilfahrt said.

Sophomore Sarah Wojtasiak said she appreciates the different perspectives Wilfahrt shares with her English class.

“I think it is such a great opportunity that she took. Going to a continent that not a lot of people go to in their lifetime. It’s something I would like to do when I’m older,” Wojtasiak said.

Wilfahrt plans on traveling back to Africa this following summer and is open to any new adventure that comes her way.