Last month, amid scares of a possible cancellation, ATM’s European Trip was given the stamp of approval.  Originally organized for the Model UN club, the trip was open to all students wanting to attend.

    Earlier this year, Model UN was the first club from Mourning High to travel out of state. Now, Ms. Shechtel’s students are embarking on another trailblazing adventure. Over spring break, nine students will be representing the school on a trip to Italy and Greece. Thanks to the hard work in organizing the trip displayed by Ms. Shechtel, who teaches various levels of World History and Debate/International Relations in addition to sponsoring Model UN, Debate Club, and Class of 2013, students will be going global.

    According to Ms. Shechtel, the trip is not merely a “vacation,” but rather a trip that “is a [historically rich] journey that the students will remember for the rest of their lives.”

    For nine days, the students will be exposed to various cultures and gain an appreciation for the beauty of the Mediterranean region.

    Brittany Ortiz, a sophomore, is trying to get an extra high school credit on the trip. This involves preparation in writing, maintaining a journal about her experience while there, and following up by a return assignment.

    “For me, it’s less fun and more work,” said Brittany, “but it gives me a day off of school, and it planned my spring break in one shot.”

    Not every student on the trip is striving for credit like Brittany, however. Some are going to expand their understanding, and others just want to have a good time. Some, like Sam Wolfson, have never been overseas before, while others, like Brittany, are already racking in their frequent flier miles.

    “Going to Italy and Greece is going to be a lot of fun. I really like Roman history, so it’s going to be really interesting to see where gladiators fought and walk the same streets as Julius Caesar once did,” says culturally aware sophomore Sam Wolfson.

    Whatever the intentions or hopes of the travelers, they are guaranteed to engage in a life-altering trip that will help them grow as emerging members of the global community.

    Bon Voyage!