Pre-Trip Requirements
The application process of this trip begin in February of 2017, and was due by April of 2017. Questions about our community, what the experience would mean to me, and my future aspirations are were all asked. Along with a recommendation and medical form, several readings were also required to be read before the trip. The short readings explained extinction of animals and plants, climate change, and gave more insight to National Parks around the United States. Before the trip, each student also had to prepare a short presentation about our own community. My personal presentation was about how the opportunity to work with Special Olympics and to take the class Peer Tutoring has affected my view of my community and has allowed me to become more involved. During the presentation, I was even able to teach my peers a few words in sign language.
Alcoa Scholars and Locations
In my group, there were eight scholars and two leaders. The scholars came from countries around the world: Gabby and Maitland from Australia, Jona and Eysteinn from Iceland, Greta from Hungary, Noel from Spain, and Talia and I from the States. Each of our unique communities allowed for great diversity and culture shares. Much of our bonding time was spent learning about each other cultures.
“If you drive to, say, Shenandoah National Park, or the Great Smoky Mountains, you’ll get some appreciation for the scale and beauty of the outdoors. When you walk into it, then you see it in a completely different way. You discover it in a much slower, more majestic sort of way.”
-Bill Bryson |