Agnes Scott has a tradition of sending first year students on a week-long travel excursion to selected sites around the world. Students take a class during their second semester to prepare them for travel and are accompanied by a faculty advisor, and a student leader in addition to their Professor. Student leaders, known as Schmidt Scholars, are selected out of a pool of applicants based on merit, experience and academic interest. I applied to become a Schmidt Scholar for the 2022 academic year for a Journeys trip to Tuba City, Arizona on the Navajo Nation.
As a member of the Navajo Nation I decided to give back to my college by helping teach the course and accompany the new students. I created lessons for the class and led discussion on subjects and parts of the culture I am knowledgeable and passionate about.
During the trip I accompanied my students on service projects for the community, lectures by community members and teachers, and educational trips. We attended notable locations such as local museums, trading posts, and even the Gand Canyon for a hike.
The Schmidt scholars program was an invaluable experience and taught me about planning and mentorship as well as cultural facilitation and communication.
