HUMBOLDT PARK — Like most teachers, Anne Prendergast agrees that learning doesn't end in the classroom. The Spanish instructor at George Westinghouse College Prep in Humboldt Park encourages her students to take skills learned in class and apply them outside of school.
For 12 Westinghouse students, their Spanish speaking skills will be put to the test — outside of the classroom — as they head to Panama for a study abroad trip this summer.
AFS-USA, a non-profit organization that offers international exchange programs, will pair each student with a host family where they will stay throughout the 10 day-trip. As part of the program, students will participate in service work, along with sightseeing and cultural learning experiences.
"This is a great opportunity for these students," Prendergast said. "What better way to learn a language then to travel to another country where they have to speak it?"
But before students can pack their bags, they are fast at work raising money for the trip. By May 1, each student is expected to raise $2,771, which covers the cost of airfare, lodging, meals and other fees associated with the trip.
"We've had a bowling night and the parents are planning a roller skating fundraiser as well," Prendergast said. "Last week, we partnered with Popeye's where a percentage of the proceeds went to the students. And, we are looking to partner with Buffalo Wild Wings in the near future."
Students have also set up personal blogs through the organization's site where families and friends can donate toward the trip. Additionally, Prendergast started a DonorsChoose.org page to make sure the funds are raised by the deadline.
"We are trying to be creative with the fundraising, and really think big," Prendergast said.
"I've been telling them to reach out to the alderman or shovel snow from their neighbors' driveways. But it's challenging because these are high performing students who have something going on every day of the week after school, whether its a team game or club meetings — they have a lot on their plate," Prendergast said.
When freshman Jasmine Willingham, 15, heard about the trip to Panama, she didn't hesitate in applying. Willingham figured it would be a perfect first trip outside the United States because of its educational and service components.
"I thought it would be a great opportunity to experience another culture and really be forced to speak Spanish," Willingham said.
After finding out she was selected, Willingham has been doing odd jobs to raise money for the trip.
"I've been shoveling snow for $20 around my neighborhood, staying in more, and doing chores around the house.
Raising money has been the most difficult, Willingham said. But she has no doubt the fundraising will pay off in a major way come June.
"I feel like it's going to be amazing," Willingham said.
Junior Jhervon Anderson, 16, is excited for the trip.
"I really want to improve my Spanish. I think I can do that being immersed in a Spanish speaking country," Anderson said.
Like her peers, junior Asha Woldu, 17, is looking forward to the trip.
"It's a new adventure, and it's going to really test my limits," she said.
Leading up to the trip, Prendergast is planning cultural sensitivity workshops as well as educating the students on the country.
"I want to give them as much of a picture of what they're walking into so they can enjoy the experience instead of ... being shocked. I really want them to let down their guard and live in the experience," Prendergast said.
"A lot of our students live pretty insular lives. Some of them have never been on a plane, never been out of the country, or never been out of the state. A trip like this can really change the trajectory of their life.
"It might get them thinking about economics or environmental issues. I'm not sure what it will uncover, but I know it'll be life changing for them," Prendergast said.
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