St. Lucia and Grenada Abroad Explores Education
During winter break, 18 students traveled with Education Department Professor Lauren Hinchman (C’98) to the Caribbean islands of St. Lucia and Grenada, putting experiential education theories into practice as they learned about outdoor leadership, worked on service projects, visited schools and an orphanage, taught swim lessons, hiked, snorkeled, kayaked, biked, explored cultural heritage sites, and learned about the islands’ flora, fauna, and mountainous topography.
By all accounts, the “Teach for a Day” visit at the Peak Institute, a preschool through middle school founded on the principles of Christian Science, was particularly remarkable. Principia students planned and taught lessons in small groups, working almost one-on-one with students. They also sang hymns and songs, played games, and shared the noontime meal. The Principia group gave the Institute four new laptops, numerous backpacks, and a variety of school supplies—the result of fundraising efforts during fall semester. In fact, each College student brought minimal personal belongings in order to help carry all of the supplies being donated. They also brought over 50 soccer balls for children on each of the islands, delivering them for Charity Ball, which provides new soccer balls to children in developing countries.
Another highlight was on New Year’s Day when the group visited an orphanage in St. Lucia. Interaction with a two-month-old baby was particularly profound for junior Parker Tibbetts, who held the small boy in his arms as he sang to him. “It was really meaningful to hold baby Michael because it made me understand the true value of what this children’s home is accomplishing,” he explains. “Each child is given an opportunity to have a happy life from day one, as well as a loving family—something every child deserves.”
Lauren Hinchman noted the trip’s benefits with regard to leadership, in particular. “We observed a variety of leaders, guides, and educators who served as models for us,” she says. “Firsthand experience with various leadership styles gave students the opportunity to see theory put into practice and helped them shape their own leadership style.” Sophomore Vanessa Ramirez-Jasso found the trip invaluable as she prepares for a career in outdoor education. “I learned so much about the skills needed to be a good leader, as well as practical steps for getting involved in this career,” she says.