Inspire, prepare and connect: GCE High School in Chicago

There is so much potential, intelligence, ambition and determination among today's  youth to solve global problems. We notice this in each classroom, at fireside chats and over the dinner table every day on board the Explorer. It is even more exciting to witness such mature reflection from high school students.

The note below is from two students at GCE (Global Citizens Experience) High School in Chicago, my "adopted" school as part of the Vicarious Voyage program administered  by Semester at Sea. There are two dozen Lifelong Learners corresponding with classrooms throughout the United States in an effort to link the students with the world.

I chose GCE because it "pioneers a student-centered model of education that unites the classroom with the real world -- and technology with collaborative learning -- for students who want to think for themselves and make meaningful change in the world." 

From the GCE website

GCE's mission is similar to Institute for Shipboard Education, which is the foundation that sponsors Semesters at Sea.  They both "Inspire students to find their purpose, prepare them to think for themselves and care about others and connect students with the world through their academic subjects," according to Eric Davis, founder and director of this unique private high school on Chicago's north side. Principal Davis says GCE's vision is to "cultivate a generation of global citizens; graduates who demonstrate autonomy, accountability, purpose, gratitude, and through each of these, achievement."

GCE looks for young people between the ages of 12 and 20 who seek a learning experience that values their opinions, respects their instincts, and empowers them to make meaningful changes in the world. This innovative school, accredited by the Illinois Board of Education and a member of the National Association of Independent Schools, is only a few years old. The student-to-teacher ratio is 1:8, enrollment is 32. The graduation rate is 100 percent, as is the college acceptance rate and the first-choice college selection. The average ACT score is 29.

I am proud to be connecting with the students in Tim Reed's English classes as I witness these countries around the world. My responses to the students' questions are in italics.

*********

On Mar 11, 2013, at 8:37 AM, Gervonne Ngoumba wrote:

Dear Sel,

We so appreciate the opportunity to share in your experience. To travel the world as you are is just amazing. Your in-depth connection to this journey is told in your writing; not only do you live each culture and environment you visit, but you take great interest in the life on the ship (e.g. how much food is consumed).

It is interesting that your favorite course is psychology. We found the piece on strengthening memory very useful. But most interesting is how you write about evolution. In our philosophy class, evolution comes up a lot, more than just Darwin. This past week we taught a mini-lesson on Kant and had a class debate about senses vs. reason. If you were to pick a side which would you choose?

Thus far you have made 7 major stops. We have a couple questions to ask you:

- When you visit a new place, how do you choose what to focus your time / energy on? What tends to be most interesting to you (e.g. food, architecture, history)?

I have chosen to travel to areas I have not been, more as a tourist. However, the students make field trips in connection with their courses, they have service projects. Some visit orphanages, others learn about water purification, many visit factories, etc. 

- During visits, are you thinking of ways you could help make a difference?

Not only during visits but in classes and during discussions, we pledge to do something about water conservation, poverty eradication, human rights, etc.

We look forward to keeping in touch during your journey. To have the opportunity you are having is amazing, it is not just sightseeing but more like learning at sea.

Yes, students earn a semester of course credit, part of which is through field trips in certain countries.

Thank you so much for corresponding with us. We look forward to hearing more and hopefully meeting you when you return to Chicago after your additional month in Turkey with your grandson and family.

Warm regards,

Gervonne and Ari

I am happy to meet up with you at the end of May. Namaste.