Hobart

UNITE members woke up before dark morning to depart to Hobart Elementary for our last visit of the week with Rafe Esquith. We were tired and worn from the last two days but little did we know the how much we would experience in just one school day.

We arrived a few minutes early to the school and took an impromptu tour of the neighborhood surrounding the school. To us the buildings looked very manicured and well kept on one side. On the other side of the school we found many strip malls and small shops. We also found many signs of Korean culture.

After checking in with the front desk we were escorted to room 56 by 5 students (we later found out that they are the classroom hostesses). We walked in to meet Rafe and a few students that decided to come to school early to practice music for their performance. Rafe showed us around the classroom and a joining room. The joining room was set up with tables and chairs for us to sit and coffee and tea (Danishes were coming later!). After letting know a little about how the day was going to go we sat down and settled in while the students worked on music with Rafe.

Once the school day started it went so fast and transitioned so seamlessly it was hard to keep up with the 5th graders. We went from playing baseball to history with no pause. Reading was squeezed in before recess. Science and math flew by without incident. Before we new it, it was lunch time. Rafe's wife, Barbra, brought us a lovely picnic with enough food to serve three of our groups. During lunch Rafe had to duck out to get the students started on another practice session during their own lunch time. After the rest of the students returned from lunch it was time for classroom banking. After all the deposits and withdrawals were made we moved on to young authors and finishing string projects. As time flew by the end of the day sprang upon us, however, it was only the end to the school day. Ten minuted later the classroom was filled again by the cast of A Comedy of Errors. The cast consisted of students we recognized and from other classrooms. An hour and a half was over in what felt like twenty minutes. Reluctantly we collected our things and said our goodbyes.

During the whole day Rafe used moments with his students to teach us tips and activities. He also used things that were going on in the classroom and us as visitors to teach the students some life lessons. We were all impressed by the efficiency of the classroom and the students. They always knew what was coming next and were prepared before we new what was happening. The classroom was a very trustful community that allowed all students to contribute without fear. You could sense how close they all were and how they wanted each other to do well.

We learned and saw so much there is no way we could explain all of it in such a short space. We all left smiling and super inspired. The rest of the day was spent discussing what we saw and what Rafe talked to us about. We believe he enjoyed our visit and praised our professionalism and passion several times. We are very excited to bring everything back to ISU to share with our peers and professors!

We left Hobart and went to Venice Beach to spend our last evening with the sunset. It was a perfect last day for an amazing trip. We grew as a group and individuals. The things we saw and learned will stay with us forever.