The senior and final impact trip for EC Scholars is a time for them to reflect on their college experience and bond before graduation. Scholars vote on whether to travel to Charleston, S.C. or New York City.
Scholars departed North Carolina early on Saturday, January 18. The senior trip takes place during Martin Luther King Jr. weekend to ensure no interference with classes. While in New York City, Scholars rode the subway around the city.
Mr. Daniel Ellis of Show Me Tours showed the Scholars around New York City throughout the weekend.
Day 1
During the first day, Scholars toured Columbus Circle, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Grand Central Terminal, Dylan's Candy Bar, and the Roosevelt Island Tram.
"This trip was my first time visiting NYC, and I was lucky enough to see snow in Time Square! My favorite experience was our time serving in the Holy Apostles soup kitchen. Our team leader made it clear that this wasn’t a charity event, we were running a New York restaurant with Broadway performers to provide entertainment, and every person who entered was a welcome guest. It warmed my heart to see the kindness of these community members, and how they contrasted the “gruff New Yorker” stereotype." - Aaron Johnson
Scholars were able to watch the Broadway show "Come From Away" on Saturday night.
Come From Away is based on the true story of when the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland played host to the world. What started as an average day in a small town turned in to an international sleep-over when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from across the globe, were diverted to Gander’s air strip on September 11, 2001. Undaunted by culture clashes and language barriers, the people of Gander cheered the stranded travelers with music, an open bar and the recognition that we’re all part of a global family.
Day 2
On the second day, Scholars toured lower Manhattan's Battery Park and the Financial District. They also ate lunch with Mr. Rob Zahn, an ECU alumnus and owner of Manhattan Proper, and other ECU alumni.
Afterwards, Scholars toured the World Trade Center, which included highlights like The Eleven Tears Memorial, the 9/11 Memorial Pools, One World Trade, and Liberty Park.
"The Senior EC Scholar trip to NYC was an absolute blast! Getting to stand in Times Square, surrounded by bright lights and snow flurries, with some of my closest friends was a memory I will never forget. Our energetic tour guide showed us the greatest parts of the Big Apple including The Statue of Liberty, Grand Central Station, Chelsea Market, a Broadway Show, and how to navigate the subway. One of my favorite parts was getting to serve over 800 meals on MLK day at The Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen. This trip was a great way to celebrate the 4 years we have spent together at ECU!" - Emma O'Brien
Day 3
On the last day of their trip, Scholars volunteered at Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen.
They served 734 hot meals and bagged 140 lunches. The breakdown of the food they prepared was:
- 275 lbs of bbq pork patty
- 184 lbs of rice
- 184 lbs mixed veggies
- 282 lbs carrots with garden salad
- 300 lbs of NYS apples
- 23 gallons fresh NYS dairy
- 86 gallons of hot coffee