The Joy of the Journey

it was unreal

“We had to figure it out instead of everything being planned for us. We definitely had to step up and take responsibility all while building our confidence and communicating within another country. At first it was scary, but then I became more comfortable. For our second night camping, were able to go up in the mountains. We had a 360-degree view of the desert and snow-capped mountains. We met a group of local guys near our campsite and we played soccer together. It was unreal.” says senior Jake Eaves.

For one week in the spring, Upper School students are provided a unique opportunity to experience the world, explore our nation, discover our local community, or serve as interns. While there are many standout programs at Mount Vernon, Interim Term has exposed more than 2500 students to different nationalities, cultures, societies, values, religions, lifestyles, and experiences.

Through trips to Argentina, Australia, China, Costa Rica, France, Galapagos Islands, Germany, Greece, Italy, Peru, Scotland, South Africa, and Spain, among many domestic destinations, Mount Vernon students continue to expand the School’s footprint.

a deeper global perspective

This year, one group of students traveled to Morocco to become immersed in a culture unlike their own, to lead, expand their boundaries, push themselves far beyond their comfort levels, and challenge their preconceived notions.

Together with World Challenge (WC) as their partner, students embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to Morocco through a unique student-led program. Betta Hanson of WC says, “By achieving goals and overcoming adversity during this Interim expedition, students were encouraged to reach their potential and to assume meaningful roles in society. This year’s Morocco program provided students these opportunities and a much deeper global perspective because the students took ownership of their experiences.

shaping future leaders

In addition to trekking, camping, climbing mountains, riding camels, and visiting villages, to encounter challenges they couldn’t have anticipated. Upper School Head of Student Life Krista Parker was proud to be a part of the adventure, saying, “I think about all of the unexpected moments that occurred on the trip. These kids had to build resilience when they encountered challenges such as sandstorms, building their tents in freezing weather, and sore feet after hiking 18 kilometers. They found it within themselves to make things happen. They always end up doing more than they ever thought they could. The most common response students share when asked about their Interim experience is how it has shaped them for their future, as leaders.”

One recent graduate took full advantage of the opportunity to seek a new adventure through Interim each year. As a freshman, Sarah Traurig ventured to China, followed by Australia in tenth grade, the Galapagos in eleventh, and finally, as a senior, she added a Morocco stamp to her passport. Each year, she has reflected and told her story through a picture blog she has curated. When asked how this program has impacted her life, Sarah says, “I am now obsessed with traveling, exploring, discovering and immersing myself in another culture. In my future I know I will travel and I will look for a job that has a travel component. Interim has directly impacted the way I want my life to look. Connections across boundaries and with people who are different than me, are what makes our world so special. We are all unique and I really celebrate that.”