Picture a classroom where the walls are the beauty that is provided by the natural world in Maine. Picture a lecture where your instructor is Mother Nature herself– This is the nature of the Maine Coast Semester at Chewonki. MCS is a program that evolves everyday academic courses to have a more environmental emphasis. The magic of Chewonki is that it’s more than just a semester program, it’s a life-changing experience.
This past spring I had the unique opportunity to leave the “Parker bubble” for a semester and spent four months on the coast of Maine. There, my learning was composed of hands-on activities and ecological endeavors rather than out of a textbook. I engaged in field labs where we went to locations off campus and studied the natural environment in that area. I also continued my regular courses, just in a different setting. I got to expand my knowledge in ways that I had never believed were possible while surrounded by a tight-knit, supportive community. I made friendships that will last a lifetime.
MCS was not only an opportunity to learn in ways that I haven’t before and make new connections, but it was also an opportunity for me to grow as a person. I spent 48 hours in the wilderness by myself, where I reflected on my life up to that point while writing letters to some of my friends. This was a singular, eye opening experience. Being able to completely disconnect from the “real world” for two days with nothing to do but sit with my thoughts and write letters, came with some new realizations. I would love to experience something similar again.
Currently, I am the only Parker student to have ever attended MCS. Parker does not advertise semester schools, mostly because they feel that in order for their students to be prepared for college, they should persevere through their curriculum and academic path. A potential drawback could be having to make up credits that were missed while away. While these are valid reasons to stay at Parker, students are not being exposed to amazing opportunities like Chewonki and all they have to offer.
Maine Coast Semester at Chewonki offered me a chance to step outside of the comforting Parker environment and connect with the comforting natural environment. I encourage all Parker students who are current juniors or sophomores to consider applying. Chewonki isn’t just a place where students go to escape their everyday lives but rather a place where they can take a break from their lives and appreciate them more when they return.
