44 International Outback & Back Again A mother and daughter experience Harding University Australasia 28 years apart. Director of Alumni and Parent Relations Heather Kemper went on the firstever Harding University in Australasia (HUA) trip in 1996. During the fall 2024 semester, her daughter sophomore Briley Kemper went on the same trip. However, Heather’s trip looked different. The fall 2024 trip traveled to Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Japan, Cambodia and Thailand. The trip changed slightly every year to allow students to receive a more expansive experience. Briley spoke about her decision to participate in HUA. “Ever since I was younger, I always felt a desire to travel to Australia,” Briley said. “I think part of the reason was that my mom had mentioned her trip growing up and encouraged me to go on a semester abroad once I was in college. When I enrolled at Harding, I immediately signed up for HUA because I knew that was what I wanted to do and did not really consider the other programs.” Heather encouraged Briley, as well as other students, to study abroad. “Do whatever it takes to go on the trip, whether it be Australia, a mission trip, or anything,” Heather said. “There’s so many opportunities at Harding so don’t miss out. I am a firm believer in studying abroad.” Harding offered many opportunities for students to study abroad, including programs over spring breaks, summers and full semesters. Briley took advantage of what HUA offered and discussed her favorite moments. “My favorite memory is staying overnight on the Great Barrier Reef,” Briley said. “Before coming on this trip, I got scuba-certified so that I would be prepared to dive in Australia. This was one of the best decisions I made because I got to see so many cool fish, pretty coral and sharks up close that most people never get the chance to and on the Great Barrier Reef. Also while on this boat, I got closer to people in our group who are now some of my best friends.” Trips like these allowed students to get to know their peers better. They experienced culture shocks and learned what the world offered together. Both Briley and her mother appreciated the opportunity of meeting some of their best friends through their times abroad. “The trip was the first semester of my sophomore year and [those friends and I] lived together the rest of our time at Harding,” Heather said. “We were in each other’s weddings.” The HUA trip was unique in allowing students to do adventurous things. Heather was able to participate in activities not commonly available in the United States. “On our Outback trip, we got to go to Uuru, which is Ayers Rock,” Heather said. “We got to experience the Aborigine culture.” Due to the program’s expansion, Briley was able to experience many more adventures. “When my mom was on the trip, the group traveled around Australia for the whole semester, and slowly, throughout the years, they added more countries,” Briley said. “They started going to New Zealand and India, then some Asian countries such as China, Japan and South Korea. Now, every year, they go to Australia, New Zealand and two or three different countries in Asia, and we are lucky enough to take a cruise to Fiji, being the first group to have that experience.” The trip has changed tremendously since it started. What remained the same were the spectacular activities the students participated in. Pam Little was the director of the trip for 28 years. She accompanied many students abroad, including both Heather and Briley Kemper. “I would tell any person wanting to come on HUA that they will go home a changed person with a thirst to see more of the world,” Little said. “Working on this trip is wonderful, that’s why I have been the director for 28 years. It is my love.” Written by Aubrey Hudkins LIKE MOTHER LIKE DAUGHTER In 2024, sophomore Briley Kemper pets a kangaroo. She took the photo in Cairns, Australia, to replicate a similar picture of her mother. Photo courtesy of Briley Kemper
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