Apple is missing a bite because of the seniors

By KERI CARROLL

 

Have you ever been to the greatest city in the world? The Senior Class was lucky enough to have been given the opportunity this past month to visit it.

Seniors got to take a bite out of the Big Apple and venture through the city. The trip began with a ferry ride to Ellis Island and a visit to the museum. Senior Selah Brown enjoyed the ride and being able to read all through the museum. 

“It was super interesting to see it in person. We talk about it in school and have seen pictures, but seeing it for ourselves was crazy. It was kind of sad to see how they lived there and the process they had to go through, but it was cool when everyone went to find their ancestors’ names on the wall,” Selah said. 

The next part of the trip was visiting the famous Statue of Liberty. Here, they ate their lunches and then headed on another ferry towards the city. They were finally let loose to have fun and explore the different parts of town. For senior Shane Cronin, this was his favorite part of the trip.

“Having freedom to explore the city was my favorite part because roaming around in a city like that is in itself freeing. With the diversity of people, places and street performers there wasn’t a boring thing around. My only regret is that I wish I could have seen more,” Shane said.

The seniors were lucky enough to be trusted with the freedom to look all through the city. Some took this chance to go shopping, eat, or take pictures in front of famous landmarks. Senior Karlie Pletcher took this time though, to visit the 9/11 memorial located close to Lower Manhattan.

“The 9/11 memorial was a very emotional area to visit. Being able to actually see where the towers were and what was around it was a pretty neat experience, but also very sad. The memorial they created is very beautiful and when you’re actually there it’s pretty silent. People are looking at the names that surround the memorial on the walls along where the building used to stand,” Karlie said.

This memorial left a lasting impact on Karlie. This impact will stay with her for awhile.

“A large takeaway I had from the visit to the memorial was that it was a very valuable experience. The pictures you always see came to life and being able to look all around and envision what used to be there. 9/11 is a day I feel is slowly being forgotten and for that memorial to be there really allows the world to always remember that day forever,” she said.

Shane Cronin planned his trip a bit differently. He headed toward Planet Hollywood for dinner and walked around the city with his friends. While he enjoyed sightseeing, his favorite part was, “just the people. Seeing how different everyone is.” 

“You walk past one person speaking in Spanish and the next moment you are walking by someone in a bumble bee costume. It’s crazy,” Shane said.

Visiting a city like New York can truly be empowering. There is a rush to everything all at once but a feeling of community, nonetheless. Traveling outside of what is familiar or comfortable can really help open one’s mind.