Global Citizen
Catherine
Catherine's
Story
"I’ve been at Chadwick since third grade, and I really like it. I feel like all the teachers here care a lot about how you do, and they’re always available for you. I like all of the extra-curriculars — global opportunities, art classes, theater programs. I didn’t have that at my other school.
I’ve been traveling since I was really young. My first trip was to Philly, then Mexico, London, France, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Austria, Canada, Hawaii and New York City. With school, I went to Chadwick International for nine days. I got to see the students I met when they came in the fourth grade. The campus there is in the middle of the city. Every day, we went out and tried all the food, met some new people and did the soccer trip. Since that was my first trip far from my parents, I thought I would hate it. But, I had a lot of friends with me, and it was fun to experience a new place for the first time with them.
With travel, I've learned to be more interested in new cultures, to try new things I wouldn’t otherwise, and to be more aware of my surroundings. When I’m here, I don’t pay attention. When traveling, I’m looking around everywhere. It’s a new experience. I’ve learned a lot about the cultures and how to interact with people there. At Chadwick, you learn a lot of important skills and gain a deeper understanding of the world before you go out in it yourself."
- Catherine is also interested in:
- Art Classes
- Theater
- Global Opportunities
Lindsay Dorman
On Catherine
Catherine is one of those natural leaders. She’s a very strong and courageous risk-taker. She’s taken advantage of programs that have a specific goal — not just travel. She’s an athlete who loves competing and being part of the team. When she came back from C.I., she talked about making all these friends. She really felt connected and cared about getting to do something she loves in a new country. When the kids came from C.I., she was so excited to host.
She also gets the idea of caring and empathy. She gets that part of our mission. In a group, she’s positive and brings people up. These programs have been part of prepping for leadership. They give her a chance to do that beyond an academic setting. As a global ethical leader, she read a poem about the Me Too movement. As a senior, she’ll be running this place.
In the Middle School, we try to get students to think about why they want to go on a trip. What is their purpose? It’s not just about being a tourist. We introduce them to thinking about traveling in that new way. To have that extra opportunity, they have to communicate with teachers, make an academic plan and manage their time. There’s a responsibility to be intentional.
These trips give them a confidence that translates when they come back. If they’re serious about being global ethical citizens, it’s important for them to know people and build relationships. It’s not just, “I saw an amazing historical place,” but, “I have a friend in another place.” They develop an ability to be uncomfortable and make their way through it — to start that awkward conversation, be vulnerable, talk about big ideas. If we’ve achieved that — that they’re glad they’re in the middle of South America without anyone they know — we’ve fulfilled our mission.