Exonians Travel to Utah, China, Italy

While most Exonians returned to their hometowns for a relaxing spring break, some traveled on trips throughout the world through school programs. Some stayed in America, visiting places such as sunny Los Angeles or hiking through the southern Utah backcountry. Others ventured overseas, either to Rome or China. RomeA group of 16 classics scholars and five faculty members from the Latin department embarked on a trip to Rome to learn more about the city’s culture and history, visiting the Vatican Museums, the Apostolic Palace, Pompeii, the Borghese Gallery and many more sites.Upper Amanda Zhou said that the trip made the Latin language come alive. “In Rome, we were able to see ruins where real Romans lived and even got to meet someone from the Apostolic location at the Vatican who spoke Latin fluently. It was incredible; every day was my new favorite day of the trip and I got to know the teachers and students a lot better,” Zhou said.Latin instructor Paul Langford said the trip was very beneficial for the students as they were able to witness the languages in action, rather than in a purely literary context. “We hope that the first-hand study of the places and material culture of ancient Rome, as well as later art and architecture that were heavily influenced by the ancients, will enhance their understanding and appreciation of their study of Latin language and literature in the classroom,” Langford said.UtahAdventurous Exonians journeyed out to Utah for a backcountry trekking trip under the instruction of the National Outdoor Leadership School. After flying out to Salt Lake City, these students, led by English instructor Jason Bremiller, retreated to the wilderness.“We were all alone in the middle of nowhere, no technology, and the only thing we had was each other,” upper Luis Verdi said. “We were stuck with one another whether we liked it or not, so why not make the best of it?”And they did. Upper Rachel Baxter recounted some of her best experiences. “I almost had to cut my hair off when I got it stuck in equipment during a rappel, I got stuck in quicksand, we ran into a cow halfway through our trip, we learned how to cook pizza with gas stoves, and use maps and so many other things,” she said.Verdi recounted a particularly fond memory from the trip. “After dinner, I remember all ten of us sitting around a pothole filled with water, just on the very edge. It was very informal, but all of a sudden we started cracking jokes and having a blast. Mr. Bre and the NOLS instructors Andy and Kai looked over at us like the desert had driven us crazy. At one point Liana even had to take out her inhaler because she was laughing so hard,” he said.The response to the trip was overwhelmingly positive. For some, it was a transforming experience. “It changed my life and how I view being at Exeter and outside Exeter too,” Baxter said. ChinaIn addition, a group of Exonians visited China and traveled to Beijing, Chongqing and Chengdu. Modern Languages instructors Ming Fontaine and Ting Yuan, Director of Lamont Gallery Lauren O’Neal, Molly MacKean-Davis and English instructor Patricia Burke-Hickey, along with a handful of Exonian students, visited various landmarks and town in China during spring break.One of the highlights for students was visiting the Great Wall of China, China’s most famous historical landmark.Prep Kelvin Green said that the experience allowed him to connect with nature as well as urban environments. “The night before we stayed in a farm house and the next morning we were up early to hike. The Great Wall was beautiful. The part of the wall that we were hiked to was a non-commercialized part. Grass was growing wild, the sticky rice and limestone that was used to hold the bricks together was peeling off and the scenic view was beautiful. If you were to stand at the edge of the wall you would see the trees rolling down the mountain side,” he said.Some of the other activities included learning about China’s recent growth and development, talking to migrant workers, visiting an eco-village at Anlong and making traditional Chinese food.Furthermore, students also met with migrant farmers who were having a hard time in the current economy.“After talking to migrant workers and asking questions, I learnt that they were very happy with their situations because although they worked long and hard, it was nothing compared to farm life,” upper Natasha Lim said. “Also, they understood that the government would not do anything for them so they didn't bother wasting their time thinking about what changes should be made.” Los AngelesStudents also attended a trip to Hollywood, meeting Exeter alumni and finding out about the entertainment industry.The students, led by English instructor and Director of Global Initiatives Eimer Page, went throughout Hollywood meeting producers, designers, directors, agents, post production specialists and writers that were a part of famous shows and movies like Lost, Hawaii 5-0, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Oblivion.The group used most of their time touring studios and experiencing various processes involved with creating a movie.Inspired by alumnus Sam Brown’s assembly talk from earlier in the year, Page and English instructor Sarah Ream designed the trip with the help of the Academy’s Institutional Advancement Department.Page was amazed by the popularity of the trip. “We had about three times the number of applicants as we had places, so it was clearly an appealing experience for students,” Page said.The students that went on the trip responded positively to the opportunity to get to meet powerful figures in the movie industry like Rich Heinrichs, who has worked often with Tim Burton and contributed to the creation of two Pirates of the Caribbean movies along with the first Captain America movie.“Mr. Heinrichs came in with this presentation that started off with sketches of his teachers that he had drawn while attending Exeter, and it was crazy, because I could see myself following the same sort of path as him,” upper Hannah Sessler said.Art instructor Rebecca Barsi described how some students decided to use their free time. “In their free time, groups of students explored the area around our hotel in Beverly Hills, some opting to scope out the celebs on Rodeo Drive,” she said.Sessler, who aspires to go into the art industry after school, was particularly inspired by the trip.“I wanted to participate because I knew I wouldn't ever get this kind of chance on my own. It's because of programs like this, that run through the school, that I can continue to learn more about the things I'm interested in,” Sessler said. “I want to make art for a living, so animation and art direction is one of the outlets that I'm looking into.”