SUNMAN, Ind. — A group of middle school students from Sunman-Dearborn recently took a trip to New York City and Washington DC.
One of the students, Elizabeth Durham, shares her experience.
66 Students, 5 Days, 2 Cities, 1 House
When people talk about culture shock they often relate it to foreign countries. However, when you are native to suburban/rural Indiana, New York City is a cultural slap in the face. Only here, a slap in the face is not a negative connotation; instead, its definition is the complete and utter shock of discovering a whole new world. NYC leaves a permanent mark in the shape of skyscrapers and some of the tallest buildings you have ever seen in addition to 8 million people. It leaves the everlasting feeling of art, fashion, and the magic of Broadway. You are encompassed by the culture of millions from different countries and millions speaking foreign languages that most of the time sound like gibberish; that is the slap on the count of two, when they warn it will be on three, that New York City gives 66 small town kids after a 12 hour bus ride.
One three hour train ride away from NYC is a city of importance: Washington, D.C.. The president, memorials of the fallen, the Supreme Court, the House of Representatives, the Senate, and numerous people in fancy suits. In Washington, D.C., you admire old architectural designs and can’t help but think: I wonder who of importance has been here before and what impact they have had on our country? As we toured the city, it was inspiring to see all the young businessmen and women who have ambitions to improve our country. These individuals, these barely even 25 year olds, are hope for our nation’s future. Whether the history has been written on an actual wall, or contained within a building, witnessing all of this history within the D.C. area is an abounding honor to experience. Above all, observing fellow classmates lay a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a moment in which one can be proud and thankful for the nation we live in. The soldiers, there day in and day out for a soldier whom no one knows the name of, symbolize our nation’s attitude of always protecting and respecting one of our own.
Experiences are what make life worth living. The experiences such as trying control 66 kids long enough to take a photo in the middle of Times Square with thousands of people trying to maneuver around us. Seeing five states from the 86th floor of the 26th tallest building in the world. Experiences like walking through the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and watching the footage that demonstrates the pain portrayed on the faces of victims and survivors. Walking through a room full of portraits of families, children, and happy smiling people. Hearing their stories is unlike anything else in this world. Experiences like touring the home of Thomas Jefferson. Stepping on the Monticello floor. Standing in the room he passed in. Taking in the life of America’s third president. Feeling the life that was once in this home for the Jefferson family. After all the tourism and photos and videos, the best part was experiencing it all with your friends. With your makeshift family that forms after growing up with these, crazy, but amazing people. To explore new places and laugh with your best friends are the best parts that I’m sure we will talk about in years to come.
