Palmer Trinity School

R ound Square members pursue this passion through a framework of six fundamentals called the "IDEALS of learning." The "IDEALS" are Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership, and Service. Member schools work together to pursue these IDEALS through cross-cultural and international service projects, student and teacher exchanges, and student-led conferences. Round Square intends for these programs to cultivate in the next generation a desire to "discover and embrace the similarities and differences between cultures and nationalities in ways that promote meaningful and lasting understanding, tolerance and respect." This might sound familiar. These goals and ideals are similar to the ones embraced by Palmer Trinity School. Because of this, it should come as no surprise that Palmer Trinity joined Round Square. This past year I was chosen to represent Palmer Trinity at a Round Square student exchange at Wellington College in England and a student-led conference in Cape Town, South Africa. Both were exceptional and helped me grow as an individual on multiple levels. But the conference was special because it marked Palmer Trinity's ceremonial initiation into Round Square as a new member. Palmer Trinity's Dr. Manjula Salomon and Danny Reynolds led the PTS Cape Town team that included me and five other students. The theme of the conference was "Unite to Ignite the Fire Within." Students from all around the world attended, including several that I got to know from South Africa, India, Australia, England, Scotland, and Canada. Students from different schools were organized into smaller "Barraza" groups, much like the Mosaic discussion groups at Palmer Trinity. Discussion topics examined many world issues ranging from poverty to the endangerment of animals and ecosystems. One notable topic foreign to us in Miami is the tragic poaching of rhinoceroses to harvest their horns. This is a significant concern in Africa and for the world's wildlife ecosystem. The lively discussion and development of ideas around this and other topics in the Barraza groups highlighted the importance of having students engage in the Round Square IDEALS with people around the world. It not only reinforced the Internationalism component of Round Square; but engaged the Environmentalism, Democracy, and Leadership elements. The Barraza groups also ventured out to serve others. My group visited a children's center in an impoverished neighborhood. Yes, we had fun playing with the kids. But the most rewarding aspect was working with them to help maintain their garden and playground area. The event also challenged us to exemplify leadership by organizing activities that encouraged every child to engage. I even had the opportunity to share a favorite childhood game: Simon Says. Still, the event meant a lot to me and showed how the simple act of serving and engaging with others has a bilateral impact on those involved. So, while I was truly saddened to leave, I was also challenged to find ways to engage more with others going forward. Before departing Cape Town, we also experienced the Adventure of Round Square: exploring through an outdoor activity of our choice. Some of my fellow delegates went surfing, canoeing with penguins, or mountain biking. I chose to hike Cape Town's gorgeous Table Mountain. The beauty was indescribable and served as a reminder for us all to discover and experience the incredible creation around us. Round Square quite literally opened the world to me by giving me opportunities that I could not have imagined. My time at the conference inspired me on a global level. More than just another stamp in my passport, Cape Town allowed me to gain greater knowledge of the world and make friends with others from six continents. It provided me with experiences that lit a passion inside of me to continue forging friendships with people of other cultures and countries because we must discuss and work together to see change for good in this world. Round Square: South Africa Round Square is "a global network of innovative schools in 50 countries on six continents that share a passion for experiential learning and character education." By Hope Franklin '19 23 S UMME R 2018

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