By Lorrie Ross
Staff writer
In a few months, Italy and Greece stamps will adorn the passports of almost 30 Clay County teens. From June 9-18, the Second Global Studies Annual Independent Experiential Educational Trip Abroad will take 27 young people, representing grades eight through 11, to once-in-a-lifetime destinations.
All of the students have been working hard to raise the money they each need to go. The March 20 issue of the Clay County Progress explained that 12 of the teens have not been on a Global Studies trip before, despite being part of the group for a few years. It also shared the stories of six of the 12 new travelers.
This week, we hear from the other six newest travelers, all grade eight: Gary Hood, Porter Hood, Karson Hughes, Morgan Kent, Ephraim Jones and Brandon Rivera-Prieto. They have been learning about Italy and Greece and each shared what they hope to learn through this independent global educational trip.
Gary Hood’s family heritage comes from Italy. “My dad’s, my grandfather’s and my great-grandfather’s middle name come from a river in Florence and Pisa, Italy called the Arno River,” he said. “This trip will enrich my views of art, architecture, sculpture and the history of its masters through their life of creativity. Their accomplishments in science have shaped the modern world. These experiences will help me understand the value of skill and how better to apply it to a rapidly changing world of AI, tech and social environment. Creativity will shape the modern world as demonstrated in venues of ancient Italy and Greece.”
He elaborated. “The Roman Catholic Church in Vatican City is co-located with the Basilica of Saint Mary, Basilica of San Giovanni Laterano and other art. The church was built in the 4th century A.D. with construction of a basilica over St. Peter’s grave in Rome. The Greek Orthodox Church traces to the Apostolic Age with St. Paul being one of the first to preach Christianity.”
The cuisine of both countries is important. Hood explained Roman banquets and simple Greek cuisine. “Mediterranean triad is wheat, olive oil and wine,” Hood explained.
Porter Hood also values history and foods of the countries. “I can’t wait to see,and learn about all their old architecture,” he said. “I know this trip will give me better understanding of the world outside the United States and help me understand different cultures and how they live their lives compared to mine.”
He believes the trip will benefit his aspiration of being an architect. “By looking at all the buildings and architecture in Italy and Greece, I can really see how they’re built and designed, what patterns they use and what materials the buildings are made of. So when I’m an architect, I can remember what I saw and learned in Italy and Greece and apply that to buildings I’m designing.”
Hearing new languages also intrigues him. “I am a hard worker, I listen and not misbehave and I always want to learn,” he added. “This trip will benefit me later in life and help me have better life skills for when I’m older. Thank you for the opportunity to go on this trip.”
Karson Hughes has been working towards this opportunity since sixth grade, just like his classmates. “I am most excited to learn about the history of Italy and Greece-European countries with strong history, culture and beautiful landscapes,” he said. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I want to embrace all I can. I foresee this experience changing me for the better because I think I can grow as a person by better understanding the history of these countries and their cultures.” Hughes wants to come back with stories about where they visited and the local people they met so future students will feel as if they also visited Italy and Greece. “I am hoping this experience will open the door for me and my future to gain the courage to travel either with my family and friends or even alone one day. I never would have imagined this opportunity.”
Ephraim Jones loves the chance to represent America. “I am excited about this incredible opportunity to see how others live across the globe. Having this chance will be a lifelong reminder to me of how fortunate I am. I know this will have a positive impact on me and I will learn a ton and I also think this will help me relate to those different from me. I think this will give me the opportunity to take parts of their culture and possibly incorporate them into my life here.”
Jones wants others to know seeing the world is possible. “Global travel will show all of us how fun, educational and life-changing traveling to a different place can be,” he said. “I believe I should get this opportunity to go on this trip because I understand the value of it.” Jones plans to continue working hard. “Last year, I won the Patriot Award given to two students who showed leadership, patriotism and good character. I will use this amazing opportunity to represent Clay County Schools to the best of my ability. I will do what is required of me and be a role model to others taking this journey. I understand and appreciate this opportunity.”
For Morgan Kent, learning how different Italy and Greece are from America is exciting. “I hope to find a few things the same, too,” she said. “I can’t wait to absorb all the art, architecture, food, language, historic sites, cities and to travel on a plane and train. This will be my first time flying and I’ve always had a dream to travel.”
Kent plans to share her experiences with the community, as well as younger students. “It is going to be so cool to see places Mrs. Scerri has taught us about. I know I will walk about with a deep understanding of the beauty of our country while also seeing the beauty of different countries. I can’t believe I will be walking the streets of Florence, Rome and Athens. I will be able to be a leader and teacher because of this opportunity. I want to go on this trip to show there is a whole beautiful world outside of our small town and there’s so much more than mountains and trees. I want to encourage people to see the world and not be afraid to explore because you never know the true beauty until you see it for yourself.”
Brandon Rivera-Prieto is thrilled for his first time traveling and has been researching the group’s itinerary. “I am most excited about the Rome city walk. I’m really interested in seeing everything there,” he said. “I’ve heard Rome is one of the best ancient places to study interactions between society over the years. I can’t wait to hear all about it. I like knowing how things were many years ago, especially in Rome. I want to read the backstory to every statue we see.”
He continued. “What really interests me is the architecture. I’ve heard that concrete is popular in Rome to build almost anything. I want to see how the concrete makes things look at the end, since they use it for a lot of things. In videos I have watched, people are taking walks around Italy and Greece and it doesn’t feel real that I am going to be one of those people.”
While this trip is not a school-sponsored trip, the group will be accompanied by some local teachers. Hayesville High School teacher Ginger Scerri started the Global Studies program a few years ago, while teaching at Hayesville Middle School. She is adamant the entire group get to go because they have worked hard. Most of the families are low income, so it will take the community’s help to make the travel dreams a reality.
Follow the group on Facebook at Global Studies Annual Independent Experiential Learning Trip Abroad. Email Scerri at: gingerbuchananscerri@gmail.com about direct donations or stop by the credit union.