Global Summits

The Endorsement of Global Engagement program holds an annual Global Summit, each on focusing on one of the UN's 17 "Global Goals"

Summit 2017

April 28, 2017

This was the 2nd annual Global Summit held at the Chinmaya Mission Boston Temple here in Andover. When we first arrived we were welcomed into the temple and went into the main room where we heard from those that run the temple. Although I have visited this temple once or twice before, this was the first time that I had truly been able to immerse myself in the environment and look around the temple. We took time to meditate and relax as well as playing a quick ice breaker game. We then moved onto discussing the topic of the Summit: The Future of Air, focusing on air pollution in India. In groups, we were able to brainstorm and create a prototype of a machine that would work to serve as a solution to such pollution. My group decided to redesign a wind turbine. We thought that if wind turbines could have filters placed on them, as they moved to create energy, they would also be cleaning the air of pollutants. We created and shared our ideas with the rest of the group and then went on to have lunch. Lunch consisted of traditional Indian vegetarian food. It was okay. Obviously it wasn't going to be like how my family cooks Indian food, so it was an adjustment. We then went on to the auditorium where we Skyped with a man currently in India working to solve to pollution problem there. It was very interesting to hear from someone actually there how the pollution and poor air quality affects citizens and also how scietnists and inventors are working to find a solution. We broke into group again, and watched traditional Indian fine arts performances as well as making traditional-esque artwork.

While the overall experience didn't expose me to a new culture, I did enjoy getting to know the temple better and seeing traditional performances that I have never seen live before. The Summit also exposed me to the huge environmental and pollution problem in India. Although I knew it was there, I had never really fully thought about how it was affecting people in India.

Photos courtesy of AHS Global

Summit 2018

March 2, 2018

This years Global Summit was held at the newly opened Cormier Youth Center in downtown Andover. The theme was "The Future of Food." We started with ice breakers in the gym, with questions revolving around global topics such as "Do you speak another language?" "Have you traveled outside of the country?" We then headed into the conference room and listened to our global advisors as well as guest speakers about "the Future of Food." One of the guest speakers was the creator of The Portal. He talked to us about his goal with his creation and how he hopes to connect people around the globe.

Throughout the day, we were able to participate in multiple hands-on experience. We had the design challenge. Our goal was to design and prototype a possible solution to issues relating to food. My groups decided to focus of the lack of food aspect, specifically in areas that are not suitable for agriculture. We created a climate controlled dome, in which any vegetable or crop would be able to grow and have a good harvest yield.

We later made smoothie bowls in the youth centers kitchen and made "confession" cards regarding food. However, the highlight of the entire summit was getting to use the portal. We connected with a women in Mexico City, in a portal located in the middle of the park. We talked to the people about our creations, solutions to the problems related to food, and took in their feedback. People who take Spanish were able to attempt to speak to them in Spanish, but I was kind of lost. During our conversation, a curious couple actually wandered into the Portal in Mexico City and joined the conversation! It was really amazing and such a good experience connecting with people so far away.

Design Challenge: Focusing around the theme "The Future of Food," we designed and prototyped a climate controlled dome.

Making smoothie bowls

The Portal: Andover Public Schools became the first school district in the U.S. to obtain a portal for educational use. It is one of forty-seven in the world. Here we are talking to a woman in Mexico City. To learn more about the Portal click here.

The Portal (outside)

Summit 2019

March 8, 2019

This years Global Summit was once again held at the CYC. The theme this year was "A Clean Planet." As per normal, we started with ice breakers in the gym. We then kicked off the day with a speech from two of last years Global students. It was interesting to hear from them and to see where their experience with Global has taken them so far in college.

We then moved onto the days activities. My group was first up in the Portal. During this time, I had to speak to groups of the underclassmen and explain my Capstone to them. They were able to as me any questions that they had regarding Capstone and how to continue on with Global. I really enjoyed talking with the girls in my group. While they seemed confused and nervous about some components, I was able to answer their questions and clarify things. We then moved onto the teacher from AHS who makes art from recycled products. It was really interesting to see how he found and reused these items like motors and clocks and made art. Our final activity of the day was creating planters out of recycled plastic containers like milk cartons and water bottles. We cut and painted the plastic into plant pots and then filled it with soil and a plant. After this, we had lunch, which was Italian food.

Finally, we did the design challenge of the summit. This year the design challenge was along the lines of prototyping something that could reduce pollution. My group decided on creating a filter to go underneath large boats that will collect plastic and other solids in the oceans. The filter would allow fish and other marine animals to not be caught in the filter or motor.

Overall, I really enjoyed this summit! I can't believe it was my last one!

Report abuse