Parent Teacher Magazine Union County Public Schools Sept/Oct 2018 | Page 7

Porter Ridge High math teacher helps students get a new perspective of the world
On what they did in Peru: We learned how the weavers die,
spin, and weave with the natural fibers from alpaca and llama.
We took a thorough tour of the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu,
which was built in the 1400s and is still standing, and then we
hiked down the last 1.5 miles of the Inca Trail to the town of
Aguas Calientes.
We got to watch Peru play in the World Cup with native
Peruvians who were on fire with excitement for their homeland,
took part in the amazing Solstice parade in Cusco and took in the
famous San Pedro market. We got to see true Peruvian culture in
action.
On what was one of the most memorable experiences
on the trip: Machu Picchu is the absolute most spectacular place
that I have ever seen. It was just completely mind blowing! The
weavers were remarkable, and the lessons and demonstrations
were truly inspiring and enlightening. The girls with me loved it!
On what she hopes her students gain from this
experience: I hope the students who accompanied me on the
trip continue to have a love of travel, a desire to help others in the
world, an appreciation of diversity, and a sense of self confidence
in their own innate abilities to navigate a foreign place.
Every summer, Porter Ridge High (PRHS) math teacher
Jennie Yearick tours the world through her participation with
EducationFirst Educational Tours, the world’s largest international
education program. The tours provide both Jennie and her
students with an opportunity to get travel experience, participate
in hands-on learning activities and create lasting cultural
connections.
Last month, Jennie took a rising PRHS senior as well as 2017
and 2018 PRHS graduates to Peru, where they spent eight days
learning about Peruvian culture in Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu.
On how this experience will help prepare them for the
future: This trip not only introduced the students to a completely
new culture, but it also taught them about global awareness,
helped them hone their leadership skills and continued to build
their self-confidence.
This is what Jennie had to say about her time overseas:
On why she participates in educational tours each
summer: I’ve been touring with EF Tours since 2008, and since
2012 as a group leader. I love to travel so I encourage students to
see the world as well.
Now, with new badges and Journeys in science, technology,
engineering, and math (STEM), the outdoors, life skills and beyond,
there are even more opportunities to build her confidence and
prepare her for the lifetime of success, and adventure she deserves
—all in a safe, no-limits place designed by and for every girl.
www.hngirlscouts.org or [phone]
Parent Teacher Magazine • Sept/Oct 2018 • 5