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YEC’s traveling opportunities
YOUNGSTOWN
Six Youngstown Early College students returned from a trip to Italy as more cultured and worldly young adults.
“We just decided we wanted to have the kids to have this experience,” said YEC Principal Monica Jones.
Traveling abroad was the topic of discussion for years before YEC students had the opportunity to do so in May 2015. The first trip took them to France and Spain.
“I’ve traveled globally, and it was an experience I wanted to give my students,” Jones said. “Traveling gives [students] a world view and expands their perspectives.”
From May 31 to June 9, six students, Jones and her assistant Michele Dotson explored along the southern part of Italy, soaking in the culture and seeing sights some thought they’d only dream about.
Leland Love, 16, said he was surprised to discover the Leaning Tower of Pisa looks different from every angle.
“It’s curved on one part, straight on the other and diagonal from the front,” Love said. “I never thought I was going to see something like this.”
Shamya Williams, 17, said she felt like she was on the History Channel.
Jasmine Macklin, 16, mirrored Williams’ sentiment.
“It’s honestly amazing. I can say I’ve traveled the world while I was in high school,” she said. “It was a great experience.”
In nine days, students – who paid $3,800 each – visited Milan, Florence, Pisa, Assisi, Rome, the Vatican and more.
Despite the cost, Williams said the trip was well worth it.
“There were a lot of different cultures there – more than just Italians and Americans,” she said. “Normally, I’m on the shyer side, but this really broke me out of my shell and made me go beyond how I normally am.”
Williams said as she approaches her senior year of high school, she feels better prepared to go out into the world – specifically college – with less fear.
“There is just so much out there,” she said.
YEC’s trips abroad take place every other year with the cost incumbent upon the student and his or her family.
Jones said she will be listening to student feedback for the next trip – perhaps to Tokyo – before a final decision is made. She added that she would like to secure some kind of sponsorship to help students pay for the trip.
Other students who attended were Sierra Morales, 16; Stephon Echols, 16; and Antonio Shelton-McGaha, 18.