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2008 Student Work while in Washington D.C.
While in Washington D.C., students were given assignments to write daily reflections on the days activities and how it affects them. Here are a few samples of the students writing.
"The Washington Monument challenged me to find deeper meaning. When you use only your eyes, you see its physical traits: tall, made of stone with a pointed top. When you start to think about why the monument is even here, you discover its true characteristics power, beauty, strength, grace, and above all pride. This monument was built in honor of Washington, but for the eyes of America. George Washington had pride in our country and so do Americans. If you look for a deeper meaning, you’ll see that the Washington Monument is a beacon that shines everything America is."
"Memorials, monuments and landmarks make you think, why did they do so much to make a little change or that it seemed like it to them. Everything in DC makes you wonder and question. There are so many little things that are hidden in the monuments. The wonderful views change how you see little things in pictures of other things. DC is a place to wonder and realize who you truly are."
"The Reflecting Pool inspired me to wonder and question. As I looked into the pool, I saw the reflection of the Washington Monument, and it reflected as all things America stands for. I wondered how many people looked into the pool and had their reflections stare up at them and reflected upon their lives. Asking themselves questions like, were they doing what they wanted to do in life? And were they living life to the fullest? Most of all, were they the kind of person that they intended to be? If you can’t be happy and content with yourself, how can you feel so for others?"
"Many who visit the Vietnam wall just think it’s a list of names. But the wall itself has a meaning. It’s positioned at a 125 degree angle. The ends of the monument are pointing at the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, which are between the revolutionary and civil war. Another amazing thing about the wall, the names are listed in the order they died. In the middle of the wall you are 6 feet below the earth. This is the same level that people are buried at."
"At the Holocaust Museum you saw all the pain and torture the Nazi’s put people through. Walking through the museum there are bars, metal, and dimly lit rooms. All of this architecture is for a reason. Inside this building you feel like a prisoner. You are lost, even with a map, and you are confused. Some floors don’t touch walls, others are harsh metal. When you get out, you fee free and safe. Many people never felt that way again."
"What we did today revealed a new perspective when Mr. Miller talked to us. He talked to us about the battle he fought in at age 17. I realized even in the horror and pain of war or a battle that their can be happiness. When he told us of the flags being raised, I could picture all those faces glimmering with hope. I never really thought about that in something so tragic, so this was a very new perspective. "
"When Mr. Miller told us about war, it connected me to my cousin. I realized how strong you have to be to do something like that. When the enemy was on the other side of the volcano, it shows how cautious my cousin has to be in Iraq. The other thing that connects me to my world is the National Archives. If it weren’t for those documents, I would not have the life I have now."
Moving
Enchanting
Most excellent experience
Outrageously glorious
Radiant
Interesting
Amazing
Life lasting memories
Staggering beauty
Walking all around
Awesome sights
Super fun
Holocaust Museum
I saw many things
Nazis at the museum
George Washington’s house
Traveled with friends
On top of the monument
New city
Driving on a coach bus
Carrying lots of stuff
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