Keystone Magazine The_Keystone-07 | Page 41

Meet Our Teachers lives. We learned that there were very real, tangible a plethora of avenues to critically engage with problems and we were able to get the students students, one of which is the annual Experiential the adequate treatment they deserved,” Trisha Learning Program. explained. “Fast forward to six months later and that initial hesitation had turned into long lines The Experiential Learning Program is an important of people waiting to receive tests and treatments. component of Keystone’s academic framework And not just students! Aunts and uncles and even and is one of the primary ways in which the school grandparents were coming as well. It was a very teaches students to be active in their participation proud moment for our community!” in the world at large and become leaders in their Trisha’s humanitarian spirit followed her to China, the spring term, a delegation of Keystone students where she became actively involved in Keystone’s and faculty travel off-campus to a region in China. student-led service projects and Experiential The trips have planned itineraries in the form of homes and future communities. Each year during Learning Program, enthusiastically imparting teachable moments inside the classroom and outdoor activities, culturally immersive experi- ences, and service aspects. beyond. In 2017, Trisha accompanied Grade 10 students on a The Experiential Learning Program trips are a camping trip and in 2018 she traveled to Miao Liang series of much-anticipated excursions throughout with Grade 12 students for the IBDP group 4 project. the academic year that aim to challenge students During the 2017-2018 academic year, Trisha outside of the classroom environment and foster attended the Grade 9 ELP trip to Anhui Province confidence and collective learning. Providing and worked with a small group of students as support and guidance to students is an act of lead advisor. She traveled with the group as they service during these programs, and Trisha's empa- investigated local art and architecture, explored thetic leadership style provides a safe space for a traditional maritime town, and participated in growth. In addition, her dedication to student-led brush making and ink block making workshops. initiatives on campus highlights her passion for the well-being of her students, one of her most endearing traits. “I have been the teacher chaperone on the Nepal global service trip for two years now. This trip is unique because it is student-led, which means that “Mrs. Power is not only a teacher who shares her the students make decisions about the nature of knowledge with students; she is also like a mother the trip, communicate with the in-country leader, figure,” Grade 12 student Carolina Huang said. decide on the itinerary, and develop a budget,” “She pays attention to the learning and growth of Trisha explained. “It is a great opportunity for all of her students. Like a mother, she listens to our students to learn about service and leadership stories and struggles, educating us in ways beyond outside of the classroom. Connections immediately academic life, and prepares us for the future after begin to form when our students sit down with our academic studies.” the Nepalese to do simple things such as playing music, participating in hygiene lessons, and even painting and other art activities. For the students, Service Learning and Teaching at Keystone it isn’t just about extensively preparing resources Preparing students for a life of service and learning and sharing an invaluable learning experience. to lead compassionately is always at the forefront That was a teachable moment for us all.” beforehand but also about being in a small group of Trisha's teaching. For her, Keystone offers The Keystone Magazine 37