Young residents prepare for an American adventure

Young residents prepare for an American adventure — part 2

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.

Yvonne
"I enjoy reading interesting books, baking, playing sports, planning events, partying and going out with friends. I have two sisters and I’m from Ghana.

"I’m currently in college studying Health and Social Care Level 3; I want to become a child psychologist when I’m older and will strive to do so.
 
"I am looking forward to socialising with different people from a different background from me, making international friends and learning about a different culture.

"I am very excited — to taste the food, to explore the fashion, to see their sports (I would like to learn how to double Dutch), to visit a book store and buy interesting books, to see what new technology they have and their transport systems."

Bassam
"I am a very sporty person; I love playing football. I also enjoy watching different sports — the sport I enjoy watching the most is football. I represent my school in athletics, football and cross country. 

"I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to visit the city where George Peabody once lived. During my trip to America, I would like to experience new things as well as become more independent and responsible.

"I am looking forward to meeting young American people. I would like to experience the lives of people in America; it would be nice to compare life in America to life in the UK. I would like to try different types of food they have in America. 

"I would like to visit the different basketball and baseball stadiums as I have never been to one before.

"It would be nice to visit the area were George Peabody grew up. I have also heard about the park called “Boston Common” which is in the heart of Boston City, it is the oldest park in America.  

"When I become older, I would like to be a well-known person in the world for doing something good such as raising money for less fortunate kids around the world. Equally, I would like to become a footballer or athlete. I am really looking forward to this trip to America — I hope I will benefit from it in many ways."

Ishraga
"I’m a student, studying physics, geography, mathematics and textiles.

"One day I hope to become an aeronautical engineer as I simply love mathematics and mechanics. In my free time I sing an awful lot and I listen to a wide range of music, including: rock, soul, pop, R&B, rap and hip-hop. 

"I’m a kind and friendly person and I love meeting new people and learning about different cultures. I’m incredibly excited to go to Massachusetts and can’t wait to see what it’s like. I look forward to seeing how the buses are like and transport as well as just other everyday things such as the roads and buildings.

"In addition to that, I’m also looking forward to hearing the people’s accents and learning about the history of Peabody. Furthermore, I’m looking forward to meeting up again with the other people going on the trip as well."

Thanks Yvonne, Bassam and Ishraga!
(we'll publish more interviews next week)

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