Our Final Words…

Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground.’

Theodore Roosevelt (1858 – 1919),

26^th US President (1901 -1 909).

Roosevelt has captured our learning experiences so succinctly during these past 10 days. We can dream, imagine, visualize, recreate new landscapes and relive experiences, as if we are present in that harsh environment, lived there in that period of time, and engaged with all our five senses in those special moments. We must never underestimate the potential and power for possibilities that lies in the human mind, the most fundamental tool we have at hand for learning deeply and richly. It is only through the mind that we are able to get glimpses into the past, to live the lives of people worlds apart and in different realms of time from us.

On this journey, we have walked the hallways of the House of Seven Gables, sat on the pathway outside and saw, felt, smelt and touched the falling autumn leaves… it was amazing!

We have treaded the footprints of the early pioneers, and through their eyes, saw the many challenges that they were faced with when settling down in New England. Salem in New England was beautiful and is not all that doom and gloom, but having endured the cold winds and rain there ourselves, we can understand why neighbours behaved the way they did in Arthur Miller’s ‘The Crucible’ and resorted to blaming others for practising  witchcraft; at the very least, it ensured their own survival.

We have dreamt of being a Harvard, MIT or Columbia scholar, our feet on the ground but with dreams and hopes high up in the air. In all the different places we went to and through the various learning activities, we have imagined our lives differently…We feel and empathize with Raoul’s deep grief and anguish when Christine leaves him in ‘The Phantom of the Opera’, we feel Ben Stiller’s exhilaration as he runs around when the characters of the Natural History Museum come alive in ‘The Night at the Museum’.

But most importantly, this journey has shown the resilience of the human mind and spirit and its innate ability to overcome setbacks and still venture forth to learn. When faced with Hurricane Sandy’s arrival and her disastrous aftermath, our minds constantly being assaulted by the visual images we see on the TV in the hotel, and what we hear, what did we choose to do? With our feet planted on the ground, we chose to compile collages, draw images and symbols, sketch scenes and write poems and stories based on all our sensorial experiences and observations of what was unfolding before us. And the human mind tells you that life goes on, no matter what … The lessons are endless, we only need search for the gems behind them.

We sincerely hope you have learnt as much as we have from this journey. Thank you for being our travel companions!

Love,

TEAM USA 2012

Day 8 - Heritage trail of NYC

America's most famous icon-the Statue of Liberty 

A group photo at the  Brooklyn bridge 

Doing reflections at Dubai Airport during our seven hour transit 

Think, think, think...

Day 8 - A National Education lesson through Hurricane Sandy

Sandy affected many people in New York City. When the hurricane attacked, houses were damaged, the power supply was cut off and food supply was limited. In the hotel where we stayed, we came across a lady who had to temporarily stay there as there was no electricity in her home. Where the marathons were concerned, the efforts of the people who were training was wasted as the marathon eventually did not materialise. High schools were closed. As a result, we were unable to visit Eleanor Roosevelt High School as planned.

Despite what happened, the New Yorkers did not allow this matter to dampen their spirits. The sales personnel still say "Hi" with a smile; and the others whom we run into also seemed rather positive.

~Aqilah, 4/2

I can still remember the first time we heard about Sandy. It was the night we reached the hotel in Boston. However, little did I know how grave the situation was an the impact it would have on our trip as well as the people in New York City. Every morning, I would see images of Hurricane Sandy on the television and news updates about how Sandy has disrupted the lives of the people. The news reporters would be at the scene and I saw huge, strong destructive waves that uproot trees. For us, we had to stay indoors on one of the days. We were also unable to visit Ellis Island, the high school and the United Nations tour. The houses in New Jersey were damaged and subways were flooded. Shops had to be closed due to the cut in power supply.

The people whom we met did not complain about their fate and came across as rather hardy. They carried on with their duties and remained upbeat.

If Hurricane Sandy had hit Singapore, everyone here might have been in a state of panic and would probably take a very long time to adapt. We might be too concerned about our losses instead of moving on. For me, I feel that even though natural disasters rarely hit Singapore, we need to be mentally prepared and develop the resilience to overcome the odds.

~Kylie Chia, 3/8

Hurricane Sandy has not only disrupted the lives of the United States but our Literature journey's itinerary. In certain cities of the United States, it was so serious that lives were lost and homes, destroyed. The roads, pavements and houses were also flooded. Many people were affected and forced to evacuate.

Not only were the lives of the locals affected, our plans too had to be changed. We did not manage to have the United Nations tour, Ellis Island or conduct the exchange with the high school. However, our teachers and tour guides handled the situation very well as were able to visit other famous and educational spots such as Empire State Building.

~Aqilah, 4/3

Day 8 - "There can be no greater issue than conservation in this country."

Why do you think the U.S. government spends so much on conservation?

The U.S. government spends so much on conservation to allow their future generation to know about their past and tradition. It can also be used for tourism purposes. People would come just to see these special, old buildings as they are rich in history and tradition. Also, President Theodore Roosevelt says that conservation is essential as it could prevent wildlife and plants from facing extinction. When animals and plants become extinct, it could impact the eco-system. 

America keeps old monuments and buildings as a way to show the next generation the buildings that they treasure such as the museum which is steeped in history. 

~Aqilah, 4/2


I think it is because conserving is much cheaper than tearing down or destroying buildings. Refusing to tear down these old buildings could also mean that they are full of history and valuable. Hence, the U.S. government spends so much money to conserve them.

~Rong Xian, 3/8

The US government spends so much on conservation to allow their future generation to know about the past. This gives them a sense of identity and vicariously, a sense of solidarity. It will also give a boost to tourism. People would come just to see these old buildings as they hold so much historical significance.

~Ashley Tan Si Hui, 3/8

With the decreasing biodiversity of the place, it is of key importance to protect what remaining things we have left ion Earth. Because they want a future for their children, conservation is definitely important, especially in a place like New York City where concrete and steel buildings triumph over plants.

~Goh Muxi, 3/8

Is this necessary? Should the Singapore government do the same? Include your thoughts, and feelings.

Singapore frequently destroys old buildings to make way for new ones due to our limited land. Singapore, unlike USA, does not refurbish important monumental buildings and preserve those which could potentially give us a sense of solidarity and identity. An example would be the Kallang Stadium. Although they are renewing the stadium, it cannot be said to hold the same historical value as its original building. I feel that the Singapore government should make a concerted effort to keep certain monuments and perhaps refurbish them as I would like to show my children and grandchildren the heritage of our country. 

~Aqilah, 4/2

These efforts are necessary and the government should do the same because when certain things are destroyed, they are gone forever. The feeling and the value of these things would be gone. It would be very difficult to re-create them once they are lost.

~Rong Xian, 3/8

Day 7 - Student's Visual Art Explorations

Artwork by Nur Sarah

Day 7 - It's another enriching day!

A visit to The American Museum of Natural History 

President Theodore Roosevelt-the first President in America to make conservation a priority

Remember the dinosaurs coming alive in Night at the Museum? 

At Rockefeller Plaza  before our National Broadcasting Company (NBC) tour 

Words of inspiration 

Day 6 - Phantom of the Opera

This is posted on behalf of students and teachers who were, in every sense of the word, haunted by it. 

"I still cannot believe until now that we had seen the musical. It is widely known internationally and needless to say, the musical was incredible....I am so blessed."

Nur Aquilah, 43

New York City was filled with widescreens and different blinding lights, the booming of the stereos. We rushed like the speed of cars into the Broadway theatre (Majestic).

Our first time at a musical, we were struck with awe as we saw the majestic architecture, which was a reflection of the musical itself. Amber lights and crimson seats, we soaked ourselves, guys sitting with class, girls sitting with poise. We readied ourselves for the musical.

As the lights started to dim, eventually dimming the theatre pitch-dark, a booming voice pulsated off the walls. The leads were dressed in elaborate costumes with intricate deigns. Their classically trained voices sent shivers down our spines. The props appeared on cue. The dedication and professionalism of the cast and crew were evident.

With such an enchanting performance, the students were engrossed. The chemistry between the leads, Christine and Raoul, was electrifying and had us on the edge of our seats, with eyes fixated on the stage, trailing after their every move.

Amal, Rachel, Kylie and Maverick

Day 6 - Good Morning New Jersey!

Day 4 - The Witches' Cottage

Today, we went to the Witches' Cottage to make up for the fact that we did not yesterday as planned. This is my favourite stop - I certainly do not remember being so happy after being scared nearly to death. I sat in front of the stage where it extends out. I guess that is why I enjoyed myself. After this stop, I am able to visualise the Crucible more vividly. I definitely want to go to a stop like this again.
~Sheryl Lim, 3/8
(Edited)

I feel very happy that we were able to visit the Witches' Cottage. The play that we watched really made me feel as if I was a part of the witch-hunt that took place in Massachusetts in 1692. We were all able to feel involved in the witch trial, especially when students were invited to be part of a mini dramatization after the actual performance. A student pretended to be the accused and three others would come up with reasons to explain to the judge why they think the accused is guilty of practising witchcraft. Many of us found the dramatization hilarious. However, it was also effective in helping us to understand how easy it was for the innocent to be put on trial.
~Farzanah Akhbar, 3/8
(Edited)

Day 4 - Observations of the two universities

The entrance of MIT

Crestians leaving their mark in the hallway of MIT

An alumni of MIT cum tour guide for the day, Charlie giving us insights of the campus

A senior, Jem, from Harvard as our tour guide

Harvard's motto

Statue of John Harvard?

The dorms at Harvard University

Compared to MIT, Harvard has a longer history, as a result, achieving more academically and traditionally. Harvard has strict rules such as only allowing freshmen to dine in a specific hall where seniors are not allowed whereas MIT has its own set of "tradition". Details like these contribute to its respectability and elitism. The guides who led us on our tour of the universities are both students, past and present, of the universities. This shows that students who study or have studied in the universities have a strong sense of belonging to the school and are proud to be part of it.
My deepest impression that day was the Harvard Irony: the word "Veritas" which means "Truth" in Latin is in Harvard's motto. Yet, due to the fact that no one ever knew how John Harvard really looked like, it was really a random student's face on the statue of John Harvard. So much for "Veritas"!

Zhe Wei, 3/8
(Edited)

Day 4 - A Day in the life of a Harvard student (creative piece)

        I woke up late again. It was my freshman year and I have been in Harvard for three months now. It was the ninth time I was was running late. I was still adapting to the room mates, the new bed and the difference in time from Singapore. Therefore, I could not sleep and when I did, it was late and hence I had great difficulties waking up on time. I felt tired and lethargic from the stress from school. I jumped out of bed, my thoughts were in a whirl and the thought of being late constantly played on my mind.
   
        It was 9 am. My breath was foul-smelling. I got a quick shower and brushed my teeth furiously. Six minutes left. I put on my clothes and socks, grabbed my bag and ran out of the room holding my shoes in my hand. As I ran down the corridor, I would hop on one foot to put on my shoe, continue running down the stairs and then putting on the other. Five minutes left. Did I just hear my stomach rumble? I dashed to the canteen. Four minutes left. I got some coffee and a doughnut. Three minutes left. I sped to the campus, running past everyone. Along the way, I knocked into an attractive-looking girl but had no time to talk to her. Two minutes left. I was waiting for the elevator and in the campus, wolfed down the doughnut I grabbed earlier. I had a few sips of hot coffee. There was only one minute left! Up I went, finishing my coffee as I reached the fourth floor. 9.07 am. I was in time for class! How I love the seven minutes rule! How I love Harvard!

~Koh Zhi Sheng, 3/8


        My temples hurt when I woke up. I had been studying at the library the whole night for the upcoming Chemistry exam. Unfortunately, I fell asleep and woke up late. With no time to go back to my dorm, I rushed to my class over at the opposite block.

        It was autumn and the sun shone throughout the campus and I soaked in the ambience. The falling of the yellow and red maple leaves still leaves me in awe, even though its my second year here.

        I entered the class and greeted the lecturer then I sat at my favourite spot with my friends. We agreed to try out the new ice-cream flavour in the cafeteria during lunch.

        The bell rang as the hour passed and after lunch, I changed into my sportswear because my team had a match with the other houses.

        We got our mascot ready and we stepped out of the room with pride and cheers for all to hear.

        This is an average day in Harvard with discipline to learn and being able to spend time and work together with friends. There's no place I'd rather be.

        As I passed by the John Harvard statue, I shook my head at the reminder of the unspoken lie: the face of the statue that bore the name of John Harvard did not belong him as no one knew his actual countenance. As I continued down the path back to my dorm, I pondered upon our school motto: Veritas- Truth. Indeed, the irony is not lost on me.

~Kylie Chia, 3/8

        "This is the day," I told myself as I walked through the famous gates of Harvard. It was my life-long dream to study in such a prestigious school such as Harvard, and I still could not believe I was accepted. Maybe, it was the long sleepless nights preparing for the exams or something else. Maybe, luck was on my side. However, I could feel a weight on my shoulders. Was it the bags full of books over my shoulder, or something more serious?

        Deep within me, I knew what I wanted; at least what they told me. But I wanted something more. I wanted the warmth of family. Being so far away from home, it only seemed like yesterday when I had my farewell party. The laughing and talking all seemed like distant, fond memorie to me. I even started to doubt why I was here. It was then I remembered I was here--to bring pride to my family and happiness to my parents. Sometimes, it is not all about ourselves; sometimes, we spend our whole lives living for others.

        With the tightening of my bag strap, I took my beginning straps on my journey as I clung on to my fond memories, scared to let them go.

~Malcom Teh, 3/4

New Beginnings 

New student. Streaming students.
Unfamiliar faces. Hopeful faces.
Long, never-ending corridors. Classrooms
going on. Increased heartbeat. Different
clouded visions of my future. Will they remain
as illusions of something?
I would constantly pinch myself to make sure
it is not a dream.
Walking to class. Enter class.
My new friends---or opponents?
They smile but some of them would do
anything to be at the top.
I smile, but beneath my veneer, I hope
there is still a trace of sincerity and naivete.
I wait for my learning years to pass
as I grow and nurture with Harvard.
They say one of the students here may be
the people who change your world.
Will I be that one?

~Hafizah Khalid, 3/4


        I was stuck in the underground library, trying to complete my paper that was due the next day. What a stressful life! As the final phrase of my two-thousand word essay bled from my pen, I could sense Freedom right around the corner. It's so stressful but it was also worth it. Upon graduation, the prestige of having studied in one of the best universities in the world would have set me for life. I could become one of the most sought after psychologists.

        As I walked past John Harvard's statue on the campus, strains of my mother's advice came back to me like the familiar brush of a stranger. "Never forget your roots." How could I? For one, I miss my mother's cooking. While I enjoy American cuisine, I stand firmly in my opinion that nothing beats my mother's culinary speciality: "Lemak chilli padi ayam". I also love the local delight, "Laksa", the way my mother prepares it.

        As far as I am concerned, I'll never stop being, or forget how to be an Asian. The Asian values and way of life that I grew up with are still too ingrained in me. Forgetting my roots- that is simply not possible.

Home

The sound of my sisters bickering
The smell of burnt food
Especially when my father is cooking,
The sight of sunny green Singapore
And the warmth of family.
Harvard, on the other hand,
My other family
Facing cold winds together.
I'm here on a mission,
To do really well in my concentration,
Get my degree,
Pack my bags and return
To my island, my home.

~Both by Noor Ainie, 3/8
(Edited)

Day 4 - Harvard vs MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

Reflection Questions:
What are the differences between MIT & Harvard?
What makes a respectable institution?
What symbols are related to Harvard & MIT?
How far do you agree with Harvard's motto?

Harvard and MIT are two of the most popular universities in the world. We stood on their campuses today.

MIT was fun to explore. There wasn't a prison-like sense to it like in our secondary schools. In our schools, we have to adhere very strictly to school rules and there are fences in our schools. I felt more free at MIT and Harvard. If I were in MIT, I would really be able to get up and go to school every day with a fair amount of enthusiasm.

Harvard appears to be more old-fashioned whereas modern sculptures are seen at MIT. However, the Harvard system felt more appealing to me because of the fact that Harvard allows the students have a year and a half to choose the course of study ( interestingly referred to as a "concentration" rather than a major- could this be an attempt to project an exclusivity) in which they wish to embark on. This is appealing to me because personally, I am still not sure what I want to study in the future. Harvard gives students the option to play around with the subjects , find out what they are interested in and what they are good at.

This trip to the two universities have indeed inspired me and I hope to be able to earn the privilege of attending either of the universities as a student.

Natalie Khoo, 3/4
(edited)

Day 4 - Higlights of the Day (30/10)

Experiencing being in a lecture theatre in MIT

Students listening to our guide, Charlie, with rapt attention

A walk down the streets of Boston 

Visiting the Witches' Cottage

Students taking part in a theatre production at Witches' Cottage

Day 3 - A Sensorial Experience (28th Oct 2012)

Fallen leaves on the streets of Salem 

Reflecting under a tree

What adjectives would you use to describe the wind?

Chilly, cold, crisp, wet, nippy

How would you describe the rain falling on your face, the colours of the leaves, the movement of the leaves? 

Beautiful light drizzle, a light spray



A poem inspired by the setting and mood:
Beautiful light drizzle, a light spray
on the face, gentle kiss of rain
I can sit here on the road of
yellow fallen leaves all day.

I feel nothing
A nice nothing.

~Hafizah Khalid, 3/4

Day 3 - Poems inspired by Sandy

WATCHING THE SCENE GO BY
FROM THE HOTEL LOBBY OF
FAIRFIELD INN IN WOBURN, MA...

"The only thing I like about staying in the hotel today was when we were at the lobby and we did a visualisation exercise. It was a time when my senses heightened and it felt peaceful. I don't get to do this because in Singapore, we are always rushing to place and have no time to ponder about life."

- Sheryl Lim

Sheryl Lim's reflection

More exploratory work...

A collection of sensorial experiences

SAMPLES OF COMPLETED POEMS

Raindrops

Riding with the wind,

A ticklish feel,

Icy cold droplets.

Noisy rustling leaves

Drifting to the ground,

Ruffled by the gusty wind

Over the gloomy sky

Petals like raindrops

Swirling in the sky.

~Clara Poh, 4/2

Hurricane Sandy
A gentle kiss
A kiss that woke up all the senses in my body
A body that was already overcome by the coldness
A coldness that was unforgiving to an Asian.

No one knew the severity
No one was prepared
But as Sandy came to Boston to pay a visit
Everyone fled.

We wanted to say hello
But the nippy winds and the thread-like rain
Weren't the best of hosts
A gentle kiss and a rude wake up call
Weren't the best of friends.

~Amal, 3/4

Friend or Foe?
Its speed increases rapidly,
Comes together with sweet gentle tears.
Is it a friend or foe?

It hits the trees,
Making them sway left and right
It becomes colder in the night.

As Sandy passes by,
I see my life move forward.
I remember to live
In the moment.

~Elijah Raj, 4/2

Shake and Shiver
Limbs sway, worshipping the rain,
Wind blows a chilling sonata
Clutching the branches steadily,
Trees shed their coat.

Mechanical machines rush on the roads
As their engine breathe out hot air
All scurrying to the warmth of their homes
Except for us, at a standstill here.

Glee distinct on our faces
As curious people, we open the dorrs
A gush of wind we feel
As rain continues to patter.

Excitement and awe make their mark
Even as we shake and shiver.

~Sim Jia Min, 3/4

 HELLO
Leaves rustling in the distance
Fallen leaves all crisp and dry.
Scattered all over the ground,
A gush of wind helps them go by.

I stand behind the window,
Watching the trees move and sway
Not venturing out of my haven
For fear I will be swept away as well.

Raindrops fall, slanted from the sky
So different from what I am used to.
The wind picks up speed gradually,
"Hello," says Sandy.

~Nur Aqilah, 4/3

A Dance in the Wind
trees dancing to the wind
some willingly, bending,
and swaying like reeds
some seemingly forced.
resisting the might of the wind,
their branches become bare
their limbs become cold.
the wind is sudden.
the wind brings change.
nature stands against change,
and risks it all.
or sways,
never breaking
under the pressure.

it came so suddenly,
out of the blue.

~Goh Muxi, 3/8

An Ode to Sandy
My two brethens,
One standing on each side.
Either one with stories to tell,
In autumn no secrets to hide.

In spring, we are all in our prime,
Lusciously green and swollen with fruits.
But soon we change,
With the passing of time.

In autumn we stand,
Our differences so bold to see.
All three of us succumb to change,
And here the first brethen comes to be.

He stands in the menthol breeze,
Stiff and unyielding.
But he is bare now,
The chill biting his naked, bone-thin being.

The second brethen enjoys change,
And sets a majestic golden crown upon his head.
He is merry, though most of his strength has left,
And his children dance whenever the flute of the wind plays.

I am still the green I had since spring,
For I am different from the rest.
My leaves were needle-like and tough,
Enduring the harsh cold was barely a test.

Water I could store
And that I did for the long winter to come.
Heat I had to conserve,
And my leaves I packed in a tight dome.

My first brethen was earliest to crumble,
The second breezed through Autumn's game
I uphold thrift carefully
And prepare myself before Winter comes.

~Felicia Chow, 3/8

Day 3 - Sandy came to dinner.

Our 'home-made' dinner. Sandy stopping us from leaving the hotel.

Our dinner.

Day 3 - WHY? SANDY, WHY?

Hey everyone,

Sandy came and paid us a visit and we could only stay in the hotel for the day. Relax parents, we're safe in the inn. Since morning, we noticed updates about the hurricane was ongoing throughout the whole day. In the news, it also showed the places that had been shut down like schools and public places. There were updates every minute and the news anchors did not even take a break. This shows how prepared America is when such things happen. Maybe, it has something to do with the fact that America is accustomed to hurricanes and were more prepared to handle them. The news anchors went on to differentiate between Hurricane Irene in 2011 and Hurricane Sandy; and the the differences are truly great. Despite all that, there have been reminders to stay indoors from not only governors but also President Barrack Obama himself. There were emergency support groups on alert and this also showed how prepared they were.

As boredom settled in, curiousity got the better of most of us and we decided to have a taste of the cold winds. Boy, did we regret that decision. These winds were the kind to send shivers down your spine and leave it shivering for some time while your goose bumps and hairs on the back of your necks rise. While indoors however, at around 3pm (which was when they predicted the effects of the hurricane to reach Boston) , the doors to the inn opened ajar and slammed shut. If it were not for the continuous updates about hurricane Sandy on the news every minute, we would have thought that the inn was haunted. In all honesty, it scared the wits out of us the first time we saw it happen.

In the afternoon, Ms Rosie (our tour manager) and two teachers, together with Mr Ken (our bus captain), went to the mart just to buy ingredients to make dinner for us. They made sandwiches for us to eat and it was heavenly, even though some of us did not have much of an appetite during dinner time. We are truly grateful that the teachers are around to care for us and make sure everybody is safe and comfortable.  Over dinner, the teachers shared that when they were in the mart, power supply went out briefly and the mart closed after they left. The other shops in the area were also closed. Why Sandy?
Today, despite the lack of activity, it was still a great day as we got to stay in the inn and had some free time to spend with our friends. Parents, WE ARE SAFE! Things that are shown in the news are not happening to us here! All of us are safe in the inn, alive and kicking. So parents, do not worry. Sandy will not and cannot kill our excitement about this trip! We are looking forward to tomorrow so that we can be back on track with our learning.

Amal and Zhisheng

The Blogging Team

Day 2 -Photos

Not dampened by the weather! Taking learning indoors!

Conversation with students

Learning @ the lobby!

 Malcolm reflecting in his travelogue

Making full use of their time

Day 2 - Some Scenic Shots

- Ms Dawn Lam's iPhone

Day 2 - Photos from students' cameras

Road Signs - From Elijah

Words of wisdom from Nur Sarah and Clara

Getting ready...our contingency plan! - From Ming Hui

Some Group Pictures from Day One

Just before leaving in Terminal 1, Changi Airport

 The Blogging Team (Group A) at the JFK International Airport

 Some students and our guide at the House of Seven Gables, Michael.

 Mrs June Henry leading the students in poetry writing just outside the House of Seven Gables.

Some students waiting to buy lunch - we had sandwiches, fish and chips and more!