Young residents prepare for an American adventure — part 2

Young residents prepare for an American adventure — part 1

Seven young Peabody residents are counting down to 26 October, when they will head to the United States for an all-inclusive week of cultural exchange activities, as part of our 150th anniversary celebrations.

They will fly to Massachusetts and then travel to Peabody, George Peabody’s birthplace, where they will meet their host, Bill Power, Chairman of the City of Peabody Historical Commission. 

They will also visit Salem (where George Peabody was laid to rest after his temporary burial in Westminster Abbey), tour Boston, visit world-famous Harvard University and share their experiences with US counterparts before they return to the UK on 3 November.

We spoke to three of the group about their trip.

Nikieta
"I live with my mum, step-dad, my sister, two brothers, and a step-brother. I am a Year 11 pupil and I enjoy drama and Kickz (a social club) after school. I also like going to the youth club in my area. I’m shy at first but when I get to know people I can be very friendly, smiling and laughing a lot. My favourite food is rice and chicken.

"I’m looking forward to meeting new people, seeing various places, visiting shopping malls and sightseeing. I'm very excited, I can’t wait and I'm just counting the days now. America here I come!"

Alek
"I’m 18 years old living in North London. I am British by birth but originally from South Sudan. I am a bubbly, confident, outgoing, down to earth and friendly person who loves making people happy/smile, you will never ever catch me upset unless there a good enough reason.

"I'm looking forward to meeting new people, discovering new things about America and also learning about George Peabody and how he helped the deprived areas of London.

I believe that by going to Massachusetts I will come back to London with different positive views and thoughts and it will definitely be a learning experience."

"In my free time I like to go out with friends, visit family, go to art exhibitions, sketch or paint, take photographs of different interesting bits of London such as Brick Lane, Camden and Oxford Street and do detailed paintings when at home.
I am self-employed and own a clothing business and currently study fashion and textiles at one of Central London's Colleges.

I love reading books and also like learning languages (I'm currently teaching myself how to speak Spanish and French).
My passion and what I love most is drawing and designing anything and everything.
In two years’ time I plan to go on to a university in the Midlands to study International Law."

Curtly
"I am from Hackney and I'm 18 years old. I am currently studying Art Foundation, I work at a clothes store and I volunteer at my local youth club. Firstly, I hope everyone else is looking forward to increasing their cholesterol levels as much as I am!

"I am looking forward to setting foot on American soil , even more so the beach. I am also curious to seeing and exploring the place where Peabody legacy began.

"I hope to take a good amount of photographs and meet the young people taking part in this trip, as well as make friends abroad."

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