After a quick continental breakfast downstairs at the hotel, groups went their separate ways to explore the city and record their first interviews and historical project footage. Every group had a different adventure – from navigating the subway system to traverse the boroughs to interviewing VIPs and spokespersons from disparate industries – so we’ve asked our chaperones to share a few brief notes and pics to summarize what their students got into. At the end of the day (literally) we all came back together at the Gershwin Theatre to thrill to the beloved musical Wicked.
Group One
(Niky Z, Abby Y, Amy L, Chrissy L, Daria M, Chloe C, Amelia C, Josie C, Olivia C, and Ms. Wal)
Today was a day where my students learned to adapt. Their very thought-out schedule had to be redone this morning. They handled it like the true rockstars they are. The girls came together, formulated a plan, and in the end, had an amazing day.
They interviewed Cherie, a renowned Youtuber, who even tagged our girls in her Instagram feed: “Got to spend the morning with these fantastic young peeps!”
A few highlights include Rockefeller Plaza, the Nintendo Store, and Korean Town. Fabulous treats were enjoyed at Grace’s Bakery, including shaved ice, ubedrinks, lattes, and more.
Group Two
(Lexi E, Nora O, Rush M, Ting S, Angie C, Abigail H, Ashly P, Sathvick D, and Mr. Young)
Our group started the day on the subway, headed downtown. We spent our time interviewing two different consulting firms about their role and beliefs in corporate responsibility.
Group Three
(Ava Mi., Vero S, Erica M, McKenzie P, Ishani B, Monica C, Grace L, Louisa S, Julie K, and Ms. Nanninga)
Our group did their interview in Harlem, and they were very welcoming. We have some sore feet – I figure today and yesterday probably totals about 14 or 15 miles of walking! We ate in Bryant Park, drank some bubble tea, and then headed to visit the High Line, an elevated public park built on sections of abandoned freight train railroad in Chelsea.
Group Four
(Alison C, Sana N, Aanika A, Soumya J, Justine B, Anna S, Geri P, Anusha K, Bella S, and Mr. Hudson)
We met and interviewed Lilly Tuttle, the curator of the Museum of the City of New York. Students also interviewed “Lady Pink,” an outdoor street artist, and visited the Graffiti Hall of Fame in Harlem.
Group Five
(Mahi G, Advika, Vismaya G, Emma K, Yalina A, Abhaya S, Nitya D, Trent W, William J, and Ms. Hershkowitz)
I asked my students to help me with the summary of our day and tell me their thoughts. Their initial thought was, “Walking, walking, walking – so much walking it is like Lord of the Rings, but thank goodness not like Lord of the Flies! …Although it was close when we were standing in the rain looking for something to eat earlier.” All that hard work ultimately paid off, because we had a great interview with NY music producer Jon Gordon in his studio, and he even posted our story on his media homepage!
Group Six
(Ally J, Anna J, Sophia D, Sasha S, Liz R, Andrey C, Juan V, Ava Mu., Kenna G, and Ms. Orens)
My students facilitated a fabulous interview with the Assistant District Attorney, in the beautiful Law Library of the US Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn. They also had a productive discussion about the historical purpose of our visit to Bellevue Hospital, which helped the group to focus on the reason for the project and even get an impromptu interview and some fabulous footage. We ended the day with some shopping in Soho, authentic NY pizza, and THE best show — Wicked! Bring on Day Three!
Group Seven
(Ava N, Libby N, Snigdha G, Timnit R, Leo S, Zoe A, Eileen L, Sabrina S, and Mr. Brown)
Students interviewed CEO Gerard Boucher from Boucher & Co., a digital advertising agency. Mr. Boucher and his staff were very gracious and encouraging of our students, and provided us all with swag including stickers, coasters, and coffee mugs.
Group Eight
(Alanna Y, Jennifer Z, Emma Z, Jasmine L, Sandral B, Renee K, Zoe T, Isabel M, Sophia W, and Ms. Courtemanche)
We interviewed the General Manager of the highly lauded restaurant The Shakespeare, as well as the Executive Chef, Franco. They shared their views on food, culture, and the life of the city, and students got to watch as the kitchen staff prepared the chorizo for Scotch Eggs. We were invited back to see the restaurant in action later in the day, and it really came alive! Our group also visited Rockefeller Center and other notable sites… looking forward to walking across the Brooklyn Bridge tomorrow!
Thank you so much for sharing this information! We love seeing the photos and hearing how the trip is going.