Palmer Trinity School

Round Square is a network of more than 160 schools from more than 50 countries across the globe, all of which share the same ideals: internationalism, democracy, environmentalism, adventure, leadership, and service. In these conferences, students interact with one another and discuss global issues like climate change and international relations. On September 19, 2022, eight Palmer Trinity upperclassmen traveled to the United Kingdom to participate in the Round Square International Conference hosted by local schools throughout the UK. Among these students were S A R A H B AYA S ' 2 4, FEL ICI T Y FR A NK L IN ' 2 3, HENRY K UEMMEL ' 2 3, NIC OL E R AT MIROFF ' 2 3, S OFI A ROCH A ' 2 3, M A R I A NN A S T OL ' 2 3, A L A N W IL S ON ' 2 3, and myself. In 2022, the theme of the conference was, "Take Less, Be More." Students were asked to think on how, during the global COVID-19 pandemic, they began to realize the insignificance of material things in comparison to real human connection. The universal topic was a gateway for students to find common ground with one another and eventually create deeper bonds with other participants. Prior to the conference, we traveled around London for a few days to get a sense of the new environment we were in. We arrived during an unexpectedly historic time in British history, which was the week of Queen Elizabeth II's funeral. The first day in London, we went to Buckingham palace to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth along with the millions of people visiting London during that week. "That was the moment I realized it was such a sad but historical, impactful time to be there," says senior Nicole Ratmiroff. One of the students selected for the conference, Ratmiroff touches on the sheer significance of the trip. Round Square allows for students to learn about other cultures at a whole new level; this trip in particular gave students the opportunity to fully understand the residents of the United Kingdom's emotional connection to their monarch. Flowers were placed at the front of every establishment along with books for passersby to sign in her honor, and students observed the kilometers-long line to see her lying state. However, this diversification of their world perspectives wasn't the only way the students grew as individuals. "I think I saw them all gain confidence, a sense of certainty of knowing who I am, what I represent, what I'm interested [in]," said Head of Upper School Ashley Chapman, one of the three chaperones of the conference. As the conference went on, he oversaw the student's activities and interactions with others. He, as a chaperone, also got " T A K E L E S S , B E M O R E " LE ARNING TO W R I T T E N B Y S O F I A B E N N E T T ' 2 4 Round Square participants from around the globe gather at Latymer Upper School for a formal gala, where they say their goodbyes. Students enjoyed a disco-party and danced to popular songs from different countries, which connected them on a cultural level. Senior Marianna Stol explains she "felt absolutely happy and free accompanied with all [her] new friends." 26 PALMERTRINITY.ORG P E R S P E C T I V E S

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