Students Reflect on Thanksgiving Break Programs

By Sam Alderman, Jake Creelan, and Harry Walker

As most students left Exeter for Thanksgiving Break, a few traveled with PEA teachers all across the country, spanning from observing volcanic features in Hawaii to learning about the American prison system in Philadelphia. Immersed in hands-on learning through the Global Initiative Program, students had the chance to not only learn about interesting topics, but also connect with their peers and teachers outside the classroom.

In a trip to Hawaii, students focused on learning about Hawaiian culture and history as well as the volcanic geology of Maui, allowing for an immersive learning experience. The group snorkeled and hiked all across the island, including Haleakala, the central volcano of Maui, for three days. While exploring, they had the chance to talk to families living on the island, particularly a family who has been growing Taro in a valley for 70 generations. 

“When you add learning by activity, that is by hiking, snorkeling or talking with native Hawaiians who love and maintain their culture and its traditions, then you get a level of learning and engagement that normal classes can’t equal,” commented Biology Instructor and trip chaperone Townley Chisholm. 

When asked about some of his favorite memories in Maui, Chisholm reflected on an experience when they met another group.

“While camping deep in the crater of the volcano, we met a group of older Hawaiians who talked a bunch with us and suggested that we walk a short distance down a trail to see the eruption on the Big Island (which was amazing). After we packed up the next morning, the group came over to sing a Hawaiian blessing for us which was magical.” 

In addition to a trip to Hawaii, students participated in a trip to Phoenix, Arizona, focusing on themes of immigration and the environment. Students spent lots of time at a local refugee shelter, putting a large emphasis on community service.

 “It was a lot about the local immigration and immigrant culture abroad. We did quite a lot of stuff with the dream center and we learned about how social justice is being established there,” said lower Davido Zhang. “Some of the main highlights of the trip included hiking through rugged desert terrain and a visit to the Heard Museum which focuses on American Indian Art. Recreational activities were also an integral part of the trip. Students did things such as going to Walmart and bowling, allowing for the group to bond outside of the classroom.”

“We went to a bowling alley, and I don’t usually bowl on a regular basis,” said Modern Languages Instructor Ariel Ramos. “And just having a group of kids, and of course the three adults, we had teams and each team had a single lane. And it was cool everybody was laughing.”

Furthermore, students traveled to New Orleans, Louisiana, learning about the origins of jazz music and its ties to slavery and segregation in the south. They went to several live performances to further explore the history of music while also going to the National Civil Rights Museum. 

Lastly, a group visited Philadelphia in order to analyze the American prison system. They met with several non-profit organizations, talking about important issues such as criminal justice and prison reformation.

In the past few years, students have not been able to participate in off-campus programs due to COVID-19. Because of this, these programs provide a completely original and exciting experience for many Exonians, allowing students to connect with their peers in a new way. Although the virus is always in mind, fortunately, these trips were able to happen largely unaffected. 

“The only trace of COVID was the fact that we wore masks when we were volunteering,” said Zhang. “I think by this time, everybody is so used to wearing a mask It was not a big deal,” expanded Ramos. Because of the looming threat of COVID, students and facilitators alike were thankful that they were able to participate in these unique travel opportunities. 

Overall,the Thanksgiving programs were a major success and supplied students with not only a place to spend the break, but an incredible place to learn. 

“I think it’s a great opportunity and I thank the school for creating those programs just because I’m an international student and especially Thanksgiving. During those mere short two weeks of a period, it’s nice to have a place to stay,” concluded Zhang.