PEA Travels Around the Globe for Spring Break

By ISHAAN SINGH, ALEX LIM and ISABEL EVANS

This past spring break, a number of students participated in Exeter’s Global Initiatives programs. These programs were established for students to learn about history, community service, and music on a global scale. They immersed themselves in the culture, lifestyles, and social service of their respective destinations. Trips varied vastly: one group went to Phoenix, AZ, on an ESSO Service Project and learned about Indigenous culture, while another went to India, exploring various towns and Indian culture. 

Prep Euphoria Yang described her visit to Arizona, saying, “I learned a lot about people [and] it made me think a little bit about my life as well.” 

Each of the trips was organized to either expand the participants’ horizons or introduce themselves to new ones, and, in the end, they delivered just that, teaching each student new lessons.

Eight students attended the Montgomery, AL, program, where they learned about the history of slavery and equal justice through visiting various museums, sites, and institutes. Lower Bianka Laufer was one of those eight and described her experience there as”amazing.” 

Students on the Global Initiatives trip to Alabama visit the Rosa Parks Museum in Tuskegee

Photo Courtesy of  @pea.alabama_2024

“It’s one thing to read about something online, but being able to stand in the exact spot where history took place taught me more than any article could have,” she explained, describing the locations they visited, such as Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, The Equal Justice Initiative (Legacy Museum and National Memorial), Rosa Parks Museum, and Tuskegee University. 

“By seeing all of these historic artifacts and exhibits, I was able to look at historical events in a different way. Examining real-life historic objects helped me come to terms with the fact that all of the events we read about happened to real people at a real point in time, which I think is something people generally tend to feel disconnected from,” she continued. “Afterwards, I have become a lot more conscious of the fact that there is still so much history that I haven’t learned about.” 

Through the trip, Laufer learned more about her passion for the criminal justice system and historic events that happened in the area. She, along with the others on the trip, was able to see touching artifacts—some collected from catastrophe, some from important events that spurred advancement—that opened her eyes to events throughout history.

Another group ventured to the southern U.S. for an ESSO Service Project in Phoenix, AZ. A mix of students from all grades attended, learning about the history, while simultaneously volunteering. 

“It really was a fun experience,” said Yang. “I really love volunteering and community service. It’s so fun, and it makes me feel good to help people out. And when I heard that this program was going to be volunteering every day, I immediately signed up.” 

She described the types of activities they did, like gardening at a food bank, renovating shelters for the unhoused, and cleaning up the housing center for people who had experienced domestic violence.

“We learned a lot at the shelters. We learned to tell people if you are in need of help, and also how to support others, who might need help. We learned that even if it seems like someone is fine, there are always signs that there’s something deeper underneath happening, so we should always keep on the lookout for our friends,” Yang added.

During the day, they went on volunteer trips, some locations visited being Faith House and The Singletons that supported a variety of people in need, from those who suffered from domestic violence to single parents with cancer. At night, they explored the rich Indigenous culture of Phoenix; they visited the Heard Museum and went on walking tours, among other activities. The students enjoyed the activities, remarking on the valuable lessons learned from them.

Another group traveled overseas when they visited the country of India. In the program, they explored many religious sites in the country, learning of history, religion, and culture.

Students on the Global Initiatives trip to India visit Sarnath to learn Buddhism

Photo Courtesy of  @pea_india_2024

Lower Izyaan Burney reflected on his time spent there, “My experience with the program was nothing short of amazing. It was so great to see the diverse culture and rich history of India. Delicious and tasty food made the trip even more enjoyable! We got to do lots of things, from seeing the Taj Mahal, to learning how to wear traditional Indian clothing, to going to rural schools and bonding with locals alike. We were also able to learn about agricultural practices in India.

Senior Silja Pope also reminisced about her experience on the India trip. “It’s not like any place I’ve ever been to and the variety in different cultures and languages and cuisines and the architecture was really fascinating.” They explored many towns, including Delhi, Varanasi, and Shantiniketan. They often had busy days, learning about the various rich cultures present in India.

Aside from Delhi, Varanasi, Shantiniketan, and the Taj Mahal, the group also visited Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first teaching, as well as various places of worship and religious significance.

Finally, prep Mardian Kamarga, a pianist in the PEA Jazz Ensemble, spoke on his experience touring in New Orleans, “This trip was a very big musical experience for me, and I learned a lot,” He said, “It was truly life changing, and really opened up my passion for jazz.”

He talked about not only the great restaurants they ate at, but also the museums they visited, such as the Hurricane Katrina museum, the New Orleans Jazz Museum, and a guided tour of Congo Square they went on. 

“I would most definitely go on this trip again if they fund it,” he commented excitedly, “I think I’m gonna move to New Orleans now.”