Waypoint Seniors Storm Manhattan!
In late February the Waypoint senior cohort traveled to the Big Apple! For some it was their first time outside of our lovely state. As part of a experiential learning opportunity focused on real life problem-based learning, the group of seniors was given a budget and asked to design their trip together. They worked hard, dedicated time and effort, and problem solved together to make it happen.
They visited American Natural History Museum and Central Park, they navigated the NYC subway, and they shared a final celebratory dinner at a fancy Italian restaurant.
Thank You! to our Corporate Partnership cohort sponsors for making these kinds of educational adventures possible for our 6 cohorts of young people from 7th to 12th grade.
“On my trip to NYC I experienced a culture that was quite different from what I know in Maine. I have never walked in traffic as large as Time Square before. The vast amount of people gave me perspective on the community I have in a small town. I also gained a more profound relationship with my Waypoint peers as we navigated living in close quarters. I noticed how our group was aware of each other’s needs and responding to protect each other. Personally, I was able to overcome general anxiety and speak up for myself in an uncomfortable situation as well as navigate around New York without mentor aid. ”
“Being one of only two boys on a trip to New York City, mostly filled with girls, felt weird at first, and I was nervous since most of the other boys didn’t come because they had other plans. I wasn’t sure how I would fit in, so I decided to stick with someone I usually talk to at school, figuring it would be more comfortable. With one day to travel down, three days of exploring places like Central Park, The Oculus, Union Square, the 9/11 Memorial, and the American Museum of Natural History, and one day to head home, I ended up fitting in more than I expected. By the end of the trip, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed myself and how easily I was able to connect with everyone.”
“My biggest takeaway was building better relationships with my adult mentors. This trip was amazing, and I can now see myself living in a city after learning how to navigate.”
“I loved my time in New York and never wanted it to end. I really got to know my mentors and became more comfortable with the members of my group.”
“I learned over the trip that I have a lot more confidence when there’s so many people around. I feel like I was more myself when we were walking around with a bunch of people around. It was definitely a challenge walking around so much. I’m not used to it at all. ”
