Puerto Rico Trip
After the school year concluded, 14 students embarked on an extraordinary service-learning trip with New School and Global Works educators to Puerto Rico that left a lasting impact on both the participants and the communities they served. The journey provided an opportunity for students to cultivate independence and gain invaluable travel experience. Over the course of their stay, they immersed themselves in the local culture, moving between two distinct locations and visiting five unique areas across the island.
The challenges were real: intense heat, humidity, and the physical demands of hands-on labor pushed students beyond their usual comfort zones. Yet, through perseverance, they accomplished remarkable feats—building a concrete wall to help a local family in need, planting 15 native trees as part of a reforestation effort, clearing dense rain forest trails to support re-forestation efforts, and mastering technical skills like tying rebar ladders for construction. These tasks, though tough, fostered teamwork, resilience, and an appreciation for the power of collective effort.
Beyond the physical work, the trip was a profound lesson in adaptability and cultural exchange. Students embraced new foods, new environments, and new perspectives. They connected with local residents, gaining insights into the complexities of life on the island and the ongoing efforts to rebuild after natural disasters. In the process, they deepened their empathy, sharpened their problem-solving skills, and built confidence in their capacity to overcome obstacles—qualities that will serve them well far beyond the trip.
Perhaps most importantly, the trip ignited a sense of responsibility in our students. They returned not only with memories of adventure and accomplishment but with a greater understanding of their role as global citizens. The challenges they faced and overcame didn’t just teach them about hard work and resilience; they demonstrated the profound impact that young people can have when they commit to serving others.
Check out the student written travel blog entries and pictures here. Learn more about optional end of year trips and field trips here.