TRIO in New York
This August, ten TRIO/Student Support Services students visited New York City to explore cultural and educational opportunities on a trip led by Kim Hildahl, Jessica Zick, and Grace Espinoza. The itinerary included visits to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum, a Broadway show, historical tours, exploration of iconic landmarks, and delicious food.
Once students arrived and settled into the hotel, the group enjoyed dinner at a nearby Korean BBQ restaurant. This was a lively dining experience, as servers grilled meat at the table, which was a fun and engaging way to kick off the trip.
The next day included a guided tour of the National 9/11 Museum and Memorial, where students viewed artifacts and heard first-hand accounts of the events of September 11th. The group was particularly moved by the stories and personal narratives of victims, families, and first responders.
Following the 9/11 Museum, students participated in a graduate school admissions visit at New York University (NYU) where we toured the campus and attended informational sessions with staff and current graduate students. This visit provided valuable insights into graduate school life, the application process, and academic opportunities to help students envision their path to grad school!
We ended the evening with a visit to Top of the Rock, the observation deck at Rockefeller Center. Students first watched an engaging presentation on the history of Rockefeller plaza, then rode the elevators 70 stories to the top deck. We took in panoramic views of Manhattan, which offered perspectives of the city’s skyline as well as some amazing photo ops!
Day two of the trip included a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where students explored galleries including ancient Egyptian artifacts and European masterpieces. In true Carleton fashion, the group also stopped for a photo in front of the knights in the arms and armor collection. Following the Met, the group attended a captivating performance of Wicked on Broadway, which was a highlight for many. After the show, we made a quick stop for ice cream in Times Square, where students were able to enjoy the bright lights and atmosphere of the city.
Day three centered around cuisine and culture of the Chinatown and Little Italy neighborhoods through a walking food tour of the area. In Chinatown, students tasted a variety of dishes, including dumplings, bao buns, and mochi donuts while learning about the neighborhood’s historical and cultural significance. The tour continued in Little Italy, where students enjoyed traditional Italian dishes and delved into the area’s rich immigrant and architectural history.
Overall, TRIO’s trip to New York City was a wonderful opportunity to participate in cultural exploration, gain exposure to graduate school programs, and learn to navigate the NYC subway system! The combination of art, history, and New York City landmarks provided students with invaluable insights and helped to equip them with the foundations needed to prepare for graduate school.