Throughout the first week of second semester, ten students along with Mr. Brian Bobak and Mr. Ed Ortiz traveled to Montana for an immersion trip.
I had the opportunity to speak to two students, Finn Gaudreau '20 and Gabe Ewachiw '19, and asked them to shed light on their experience with the Montana immersion trip.
What did you guys do in Montana?
Gaudreau: We immersed ourselves in the culture of the Blackfeet American Indians. Through our experience, we learned more about our identity as a man of faith, intellect, and integrity.
What was the background of the children that you guys worked with?
Gaudreau: Most of the kids came from abusive backgrounds: fathers out of the picture, alcoholic mothers, and most come to school for the only meal of their entire day.
How did this trip change you, and did you come to any realizations after this trip?
Gaudreau: This whole experience was eye-opening to the way that God works in mysterious ways and gives the biggest burdens to the strongest people.
Overall what were your thoughts about the trip to Montana?
Gaudreau: I am so grateful for my experience, and I highly recommend this trip for those who seek answers about suffering, faith, and identity.
Who did you guys work with on the Montana immersion trip?
Ewachiw: On the Montana immersion trip, we served the students of the De La Salle Blackfeet school.
What was the most impactful moment that you shared with an individual?
Ewachiw: The most impactful moment for me was when I was helping a young boy to read, and at one point, he understood how to read, and it was beautiful to see.
How did Montana change you?
Ewachiw: It changed me by showing me that people have more that unites us than separates us, and when looking at the most basic things, people are together.
Alright, last question, did you enjoy the trip?
Ewachiw: I loved the trip to Montana.
From speaking to these gentlemen, it is clear that the immersion trip experience here at The Hall had a profound impact on the people who are being helped while also profoundly impacting the students who are helping. It is a tremendous way to reflect on how much one can take one’s life for granted while opening your eyes to God’s grace in all. Montana is not the only immersion trip Calvert Hall offers; there are many others, such as Belize, Haiti, Camden, Baltimore, and others. I hope this article will encourage students who are considering signing up for an immersion trip to participate in one next year.