Peru Trip Meeting Brings All Grades Together
By: Raine Honeycutt and Aylin McGowan
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With the school year getting into full swing, students are beginning to settle into their schedules and their classwork. However, some are already looking forward to the breaks on the horizon, especially the students scheduled to travel over 3000 miles to a new country. This year, the AIS program will host its first ever school-led excursion to Peru, where students will be introduced to new cultures, environments, languages, cuisine, and experiences. Such an outing has never been attempted before, but the teachers leading it are assured of its success.
Senior Ladionna Gaskin shares travel advice.
“I am really hoping that we can realize our goal as the Academy of International Studies to not only bring the world to our students but help our students experience the world in a positive way,” said Mrs. Harris, one of the faculty leaders of the trip.
However, this trip is not only about discovery, but unity as well. Almost all grade levels —except for incoming freshmen— are represented amongst those travelers venturing forth from the Chapel Hill-Carrboro area. In fact, at the last meeting many students sat with others that weren’t from their graduating class. Room assignments also include students from varying grades.
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“I’m so impressed with the amount of students that have interest in the trip itself,” said Mrs. Titler, the head chaperone. “And I think the impact of it will be immeasurable.”
The trip will last eight days and take place over the Spring Break of 2025. Over the course of that time, students will go everywhere from the capital city of Lima to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu. As they are introduced to wonders of this new environment, it is the hope of the chaperones that they will create long-lasting bonds that will carry into the future.
From left to right, Junior Lani Reyes, Sophomore Hannah Strada, Mrs. Cawley, and Junior Grace Titler show their excitement to go to Peru.
However, they may not even have to wait that long, for students are already taking the initiative to reach out to others and connect with those they will share this unparalleled experience with. At the beginning of the meeting, chaperones brought the group together with a gathering question: what is your favorite part of travel? Everyone took turns answering as they passed around a plush octopus, signifying one’s turn to speak. Smiles and laughter filled the room as they shared out, and many had similar responses. Although students may be separated by several years, the excitement to experience a new country unites the travelers under a common bond that will last a lifetime.
“I just really hope this is a launch point for every-other-year global travel,” said Mrs. Harris. “And that not only will it be a positive experience for students, but a learning pad for us to jump off and create more meaningful experiences in the future.”
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