Boston Belonging Field Trip Recap
- Student Ambassadors
- Oct 16
- 3 min read
Mikaela Campbell
McKay Student Ambassador
Early Childhood Education
Ever wanted to experience education while traveling? Meet Rachel Rodrigues, a student who went on the Boston Belonging Field Trip over the summer. She is a Senior from Independence, MO majoring in Elementary Education.
Here are some of her thoughts and experiences from the field trip!
What is a short summary of this trip?
"Boston, MA is home to many historical sites that focus on the nation's founding. We wanted to draw upon the principles of unity and belonging that contributed to the start of our country and discuss how we can incorporate those principles in creating democratic classrooms as future educators."
Why did you decide to go?
"I was nervous about going on this trip because at the time it was introduced to me, I didn't know what all it would entail or if I would know anyone. This was a pilot trip, so there wasn't much information shared right off the bat. However, I ultimately decided to go because I had never been to Boston before and didn't know when I might get the chance again. The trip was also all-expenses paid, which further sealed the deal."
Who did you go with and how long were you there for?
"I went with ten Mckay School students, as well as Kristen Betts (EL ED professor), Megan Langford (Special Ed professor), John Patten (Center of the Improvement of Teacher Education & Schooling), Arryn Patten (John’s wife), and Paul Wangemann (Center of the Improvement of Teacher Education & Schooling). The trip lasted 5 days, including travel. We left May 21st and got back on May 25th. "
What are some of the experiences you had in Boston?
Day in Plymouth, MA: We went to Mayflower II,
Plymouth Rock, Plimoth Grist Mill, Plimoth Patuxet Plantation, had a themed dining experience, and did a couple workshops.
Day in Quincy: We went to John and Abigail Adams’
property, the Adams National Historical Park Visitor's Center, The United First Parish Church to see the Adams’ burial crypt, and the John F. Kennedy Library & Museum.
Day in Boston: We followed the Freedom Trail and saw
the Boston Commons, the first public school, a few statues, the Paul Revere house, the Old North Church, and the Boston, MA LDS temple.
Day in Cambridge: We went to Harvard Square, the
Longfellow House, and attended an LDS church service.
Was there a specific place that resonated with you?
"One of the places that most stuck out to me was the Plimoth Plantation Museum. This was a mock village of the early settlers when our nation was just in bloom. In our self-guided tour, we went from cabin to cabin to talk to a variety of settlers about their experiences traveling from Great Britain, as well as how things were now that they arrived to this new land. They were dressed in appropriate attire for the time and spoke in accents to make the experience more immersive. One particular gal told us she was pregnant on her voyage over, but lost the baby on the way. She explained that everyone had to make sacrifices, and that was one of hers. She went on to say that developing a united body politic took a lot of work and it was when people were willing to sacrifice their own interests, they were really able to come together for a common good."
What plans have you made for your future classroom from what you learned in Boston?
"This principle of sacrificing my self-interests is what I most want to incorporate in my future classroom. Rather than pursuing a lesson at my own pace, I need to focus on the needs of my students. Instead of generating a list of dos and do-nots, I can involve my students in creating a democratic environment with rules they help develop. I want to sacrifice my ideas of what a successful student looks like and instead find potential in every child. Ultimately, sacrifices such as these will create a place of belonging for each student. They deserve that."
Do you have any suggestions for those wanting to do a trip like this in the future?
Take the opportunity! When you do, make sure to do the readings. There are quite a few, but it makes all the difference. It will be a much more enriching experience for you if you're prepared.
To learn more about the impact this trip made on students like Rachel watch this video!
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