Last week, the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students embarked on a thrilling Community-Based Instruction field trip to the renowned Port of Miami. The highlight of their excursion was an exclusive tour of the Royal Caribbean cruise ship Freedom of the Seas. The students were so excited, and it was clear that this opportunity was going to be a day they would remember. 

The adventure began at the Viking Crown Lounge, located at the very top of the ship. From there, the students had a chance to explore various attractions and amenities aboard the ship. They visited the Sports Court, where some students could imagine engaging in friendly matches and tournaments. The Rock-Climbing Wall, Splash Away Bay, and the mini golf course captivated the students’ interest. One of the most exhilarating moments came when the students were given access to the helicopter landing area. They felt the excitement of the possibility of a helicopter that would be able to land on the ship’s deck. 

However, the tour’s highlight was undoubtedly the visit to the Bridge, where the students had the privilege of meeting the ship’s Captain. The sheer magnitude of the control center left them in awe, and the captain’s warm reception made them feel valued and important. This encounter opened their eyes to the possibility of a career in the cruise industry, as they saw firsthand the exciting work behind the scenes. 

To conclude the remarkable tour, the students were treated to a feast at the Windjammer Cafe, where an extravagant buffet awaited them. The cheerful atmosphere and camaraderie among the students created lasting memories that will be cherished for years. 

After this unforgettable field trip, one student expressed a newfound career track. Inspired by the experience, he wanted to pursue a career with a cruise line. The exposure to the ship’s inner workings and the chance to meet professionals in the industry sparked a passion within him, highlighting the immense impact such field experiences can have on young minds. 

As the day ended, the students unanimously agreed that this was the best field trip they had ever participated in. The excitement, education, and personal discovery made it an unparalleled adventure. The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students returned home so thankful for this experience on the Freedom of the Seas. 

The Port of Miami field trip served as a reminder of the power of experiential learning and community engagement. Through immersive experiences like this, young minds can discover their talents, nurture their aspirations, and pave the way for a future full of promise and fulfillment. 

Leading up to Mother’s Day, the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. teachers designed the lesson plans to teach their students valuable life skills and prepare them to surprise their mothers with thoughtful presents. The lesson involved buying a card, a box of chocolates, and a plant to give to their mothers on Mother’s Day. In addition, the students had the opportunity to practice several essential skills, including budgeting, using gift cards for payments, visiting the post office to mail out their cards, shopping, and caring for plants.

First, the students headed to Publix for their Community-Based Instruction (CBI) field trip, where they bought Mother’s Day cards for less than $7.00 each. After purchasing the cards, they returned to class to write and sign personalized messages. The next day, the CBI took students to a nearby post office, where they mailed the cards via the U.S.P.S.

The following day, the students went to the mall to buy a box of chocolates. The students were given a budget of $18 each to select chocolates they thought their mothers would enjoy the most. For the final CBI session of the week, the group visited Home Depot. Each student had a $20 budget to buy a flowering plant as part of their Mother’s Day presents. During this activity, the students learned about the plants’ specific requirements, such as their need for sunlight or shade, and had to decide which plant would suit their home best.

Throughout the week, the students’ enthusiasm kept growing. They were so excited as they eagerly anticipated presenting the gifts they had personally selected and bought for the most important woman in their lives – their mother!

On this Mother’s Day, we extend our warmest wishes to all the mothers of our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S., College Mentors, and Social Activities Program participants.

Happy Mother’s Day!

For this week’s Career Series, the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students were delighted to have the opportunity to connect with Digital Artist Mike Spring via Zoom. Given the students’ keen interest in pursuing Digital Art as a career path, Liz Falk, HDS Foundation Program Manager, secured a visit from Mike to share insights on his journey toward becoming a successful Digital Artist. 

During his presentation to the students, Mike shared his passion for drawing as a child, but he never imagined it would lead to a career. However, when working at an engineering firm, he transitioned from sketching bridges, runways, and roads to utilizing computer software. During this transition, the world of digital art was revealed to him, and he became fascinated. 

He shared his diverse experiences in Digital Art with the students. This included working for Disney, television, movies, gaming, and much more. Mike is a professor at the LA Film School, where he educates aspiring artists about the world of Digital Art. His work captivated the students, and they asked excellent questions during the presentation. 

Q&A: When asked about his favorite job, Mike explained to Matt that his previous jobs had brought unique aspects to his work, making it difficult for him to choose. Similarly, when Kaitlyn asked about the typical salary for a Digital Artist, Mike responded that it varies depending on one’s experience level in the field. 

The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students were grateful for Mike’s willingness to share his journey and incredible work with them. We look forward to having Mike join us for another presentation next year during our Career Series.