Chicago HS students return from trip to China
CHICAGO (WLS) -- A handful of accomplished high school students from the South Side have just returned from an eye-opening trip to China.
The trip was made possible by corporate philanthropy, but it depended on the kids earning the chance to see something incredibly new.
Home at last. It has been the journey of their young lives for most of these Chicago high school kids, and Saturday night they are back in Chicago after two weeks in China.
Twenty kids from 18 different Chicago high schools had the chance to immerse themselves in a culture they could only imagine before.
"It was really scary, going on a plane, being away from family for a long time, I was very nervous about it," said student Cathalyn Washington. "But once we got to China, you get used to the environment, you have friendly people around you."
They toured several major cities and destinations, including Beijing, Shanghai and the Great Wall, meeting other students at every stop. That was the idea, according to trip organizers.
"Our students now have global perspectives," said Danielle Parker, Chicago Urban League. "They really believe that anything is possible. Some of them are going to study abroad, some of them are going to major in international business."
For the students, it was a free trip paid for by the Chicago Urban League, but getting chosen was a highly competitive and rigorous process involving good grades, essays and interviews. But most of the students say it was a life-changing experience.
"I learned not to believe stereotypes," said student Landon Gladney.
"To spend two weeks immersing in the culture and being able to look at the different perspectives, it's everything," said Antrio Johnson, Chicago Urban League. "I don't know what else could top that."
Before leaving, the students were immersed in the Chinese culture and language through a series of workshops. This is the third year the Urban league and United Airlines have sponsored a foreign trip for Chicago high school students.
