VIDYA VIKASINI SCHOOL (C.I.S.C.E)

A Message by our Academic Director

A TRIP TO CHERISH FOREVER

An Educational Tour To NASA
19th May to 31st May, 2017

“The purpose of life is to live it;
To taste experience to the utmost;
To reach out eagerly and without fear
For newer & richer experiences”
- Eleanor Roosevelt

To describe something intangible, something we can only feel deeply has never been easy but I will venture into trying today in describing one of the most enchanting and mesmerizing travelling experiences of Vidya Vikasinites so far. This journey of our dreams began on 19th May 2017 to an exotic destination one of the richest as well as culturally, architecturally and aesthetically alive country….the United States of America. The 12 days, 13 nights trip from 19th May to 31st May 2017 was truly an enriching and rewarding experience for each one of us transforming our dreams into reality.

Visiting places of historical importance, well known and famous, was a part of the tour. The beauty and majesty of the Statue of Liberty in New York mesmerized each one of us. At Ellis Island we learned about the migrants in search of a better livelihood. The Times Square, the Empire State Building giving an arial view of New York City and New Jersey from its 86th floor and Madam Tussaud’s Museum of wax and the World Trade Centre depicting its tragic story were some other major attractions in New York. Washington D.C., the capital of the country, is an abode of historical monuments that puts everyone in awe by its beauty and majestic architectural carvings and designs. The White House, the most famous address in the world, the Capitol Building, the Supreme Court, the Korean War Memorial and the Washington Monument being reflected in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool were sights of beauty engulfed with enchanting & realistic historical backgrounds……….stories that came alive with the narrations by the local tour guide. The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, which houses the world’s largest collection of historic and famous aircraft too is situated in Washington D.C.

The journey by road from Washington to Buffalo was straight out of a fairytale covered with lush green farms, meadows, mountains & valleys ……. a delight to our eyes and souls. A visit enroute to the Hershey’s Chocolate World triggered our taste buds as we tasted the most delicious and exotic chocolates in the world. The train ride showcasing the entire process of making chocolates….. from the time the beans are bought into the factory till they are processed, wrapped & packaged, was a memorable one. The Niagara Falls…… the epitome of God’s wonderful creation, illuminated by colourful lights at night illuminating the mist, takes its beauty and majesty to another level altogether. The Maid of the Mist boat ride is aptly named as the boat takes you so close to the falls and right into the cold cloud of mist…… the feel of it on your cheeks making you feel numb transcending your emotions into thanking the Creator for His enchanting creation that is beyond human imagination.

The most exciting and awaited part of the journey was the Kennedy Space Centre at Orlando where we spent 3 days taking part in NASA engineering challenges, visiting places of importance at NASA, interacting with an Astronaut Dr. John Barrot and getting to know his personal experiences while he was in outer space. Every day at the KSC was an exciting one filled with fascinating and wonderful things to be hold. We learnt something new each day. NASA continues to be the front runner amongst all organizations in their unceasing adventures in space. Students got a rare opportunity to enlighten themselves about the tremendous development that has been achieved in the field of outer space science and technology. The students got hands on training on mission simulation and space exploration activities, which are usually undertaken by astronauts as part of their preparation to be able to withstand the rigors of the space flight. Students relived the historic launch of Apollo 8 at the Firing Room Theater, then marveled at a gigantic 363- feet long Saturn moon rocket. Finally, the Lunar Theater provided a rare look at the harrowing final moments just before man landed on the moon. Receiving certificates of completion at the Graduation Closing Ceremony from NASA officers was the culmination of an enriching experience at the Kennedy Space Centre leaving us with a tingling feeling of being an astronaut and ready for a take off into space.

The cool and fresh breeze at the Cocao beach was a different experience leaving us with self explanatory lessons of Cleanliness is next to Godliness. Visiting not one but two of the best theme parks in the world was a rare opportunity of its kind- The Magic Kingdom where storybook fantasy is everyday reality and Disney classics are brought to life .From the moment you step onto Main Street USA, you are transported to a place where the cares of the outside world seem to magically melt away. The enchanting visuals of the iconic castles and the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom were a true splendor and beyond imagination and description. The Universal Islands of Adventure with fun filled and thrilling rides are impossible to describe …… you need to experience it to know what the island holds for people of all ages.All in all, the US – NASA Trip was an amazing experience. We had an opportunity to visit the world’s super power – the U.S, learn more about the country & visit places that were only dreamt about visiting until then. The memories of the trip has gone down the memory lane to be cherished for years to come and which our hearts and souls will never forget. Our heartfelt thank to our respected Principal and the management for providing us this amazing experience……………….As Oprah Winfrey says…..“The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams.”

Elizabeth Ashley
Academic Director