Global Classroom.
Proctor's off-campus programs have hidden dividends. Long after a student returns from Ocean Classroom, Mountain Classroom, or a term in Aix or Segovia, that experience enriches the educational process here in Andover. Sailing into San Juan harbor--weeks after boarding ship in Massachusetts--is life-changing. Likewise, rock climbing at Joshua Tree and community service on a native reservation are like putting jumper cables on an adolescent's emotional maturity. Dave Pilla just announced that the Spirit of Massachusetts is beating east toward Eleuthera, and that all 21 students are able to "work aloft."
The response from students in assembly who have already experienced Ocean Classroom--audible sighs and applause--reminded us of the long-term yield of real learning. Then I received this image from Derek Mansell of students and teachers spelunking in Spain:
Alumni of the Spain program may recognize Karine Dumont (left) and the extraordinary Rosa Maria Palomares Gomez (red shirt).
By my count, approximately 75 students here on campus have already benefitted from Proctor's off-campus programs. Do those experiences help them today? Coping with small group dynamics? Getting along with a roommate? Dealing with stress in relatively traditional coursework (like Dougo's math?)
I think so.
