IMPACT For our community of supporters who believe learning is the journey of a lifetime.
FALL 2024
From South Africa to the Pacific Northwest Martha Bessac is Devoted to Road Scholar
M
artha Bessac’s passion for learning, exploration and travel was instilled in her early in life. As the daughter of a career naval officer, Martha grew up on both coasts as well as Hawaii. During her senior
year of high school, she studied in Guatemala for 10 months and received her diploma there. She shared her love of learning throughout her career — teaching community college and graduate school students. Since retiring as a United Methodist pastor, Martha’s pursuit of knowledge and new cultures is her way of life — leading her around the world with Road Scholar over the past 11 years.
From Sea to Shining Sea
Bend National Park, a barbecue
“I was able to immerse myself in
In August 2013, Martha embarked
experience in South Carolina and
the experience without worrying
on her first Road Scholar program,
programs in the Pacific Northwest,
about the behind-the-scenes
Lobsters, Wineries and Foods of New
Utah’s national parks and the Rocky
details,” she says. “It’s the best
England. “That program was a
Mountains. “I was addicted! The
way you’re ever going to see the
wow,” says Martha. She
balance and depth of experiential
national parks.” She credits the
immediately signed up for more
learning and exposure integrated
group leaders for their knowledge,
programs, including an On the Road
with local resources and people
warmth and desire to help
adventure from San Antonio to Big
created a cohesive feeling.”
participants have the best experience possible.
Passport to the World With so many wonderful domestic adventures under her belt, Martha chose Japan: An Exploration of History, Culture and Society as her
→ Big Bend National Park is one of many destinations Martha has explored with Road Scholar
first international program in 2014. Having taught conversational English in Japan for two years earlier in her career, she couldn’t wait to return. continued on page 3