Eleven Ivy Tech Northeast students and recent graduates have spent the last few days in Washington D.C. with three chaperones on a social justice trip. They made stops at attractions like the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and other spots related to social justice. Students are taking turns sharing their thoughts with Green Light. Follow along with the group’s experiences on social media with #ivyFW2DC.
Two students are sharing their thoughts today. First up: McKayla Smith, a business administration student …
I signed up to go on the D.C. trip with Ivy Tech Northeast because I wanted to learn more about social justice. I am the president of the Campus Activities Board, and there are many things to think about when planning events for students at Ivy Tech. I think learning about different ethnicities and races is something that will benefit me in that role.
This quote and picture that we took at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial is important to me. There is so much hate in the world, and by choosing the path of social justice, we choose love and support. The subject of this photo moves me because this is what our whole trip is about: We are learning so much about how people with different backgrounds or races are treated so differently than others. This shows that social justice can make this a better world.
… and Alondra Campos, an education student.
I signed up to go to D.C. with Ivy Tech Northeast because I wanted to learn more about history and social justice. I thought the focus of this trip would benefit my future as a teacher. Social justice and history continue to effect our lives, and the more we know about history, the less likely we will repeat the bad things that have happened. It’s important for students to learn about historical events and acquire knowledge about the people who fought for our country. Future generations must must learn about the importance of equality and respecting others regardless of their cultural background. Knowledge is a powerful source in this world.
I took this photo (at right) in the Holocaust Museum. The picture portrays a wall with images of Holocaust victims. This part of the museum made me very emotional; I couldn’t believe how wide and tall the wall was.
The people on that wall were only a few of the many who suffered in the Holocaust. There were pictures of children and families, and for a moment, it made me think about my family. I couldn’t image my parents or siblings going through this experience. I realized I needed to appreciate my family more. I also realized I am blessed with the life I have.
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