Last month, eight high school students from Lyndon B. Johnson High’s advanced journalism class were buzzing with excitement as their plane landed at LaGuardia Airport. Their teacher, Ms. Moore, had spent months organizing the trip. This wasn’t just any field trip; it was a journey into the heart of journalism itself, with a visit to The New York Times and stops at some of New York City’s most iconic landmarks.
The group—composed of Leslie Valdespino, Andres de la Rosa, Ilse Ventura, Jesus Arroyo, Vanessa Gomez, Norberto Mireles, Melissa Castillo and Fernando Cisneros —had worked tirelessly on fundraisers to make this dream a reality. Now, they were finally here.
Day One: The New York Times
The highlight of their trip came on the first morning: a guided tour of The New York Times headquarters. Walking through the sleek, modern offices, the students were starstruck. They met veteran journalists who shared stories of breaking major news, navigating ethical dilemmas, and the evolution of digital media.
Day Two: The Statue of Liberty and Rockefeller Center
The next day, the group hopped on a ferry to Liberty Island. Standing at the base of the Statue of Liberty, Ms. Moore remarked, “This is exactly what journalism is about—telling the stories of people seeking freedom and opportunity.”
Later, they visited Rockefeller Center, they took in the stunning views from the Top of the Rock, took photos of the beautiful Christmas decorations and the famous Christmas tree.
Day Three: The 9/11 Memorial Site
The trip ended on a somber note with a visit to the 9/11 Memorial. The students walked quietly around the reflecting pools, reading the names engraved in the bronze panels. They took a few respectful photos, later the group stood silently, absorbing the weight of the moment.
Ms. Moore encouraged them to think about how journalism had played a role in documenting the tragedy and its aftermath. “It’s a journalist’s duty to ensure events like these are never forgotten,” she said.
The Return
Back at Johnson High School, the students poured their experiences into yearbook pages, they share photos and videos that captured the vibrancy of New York City, while social media posts had already gone viral among their classmates. The trip didn’t just teach them about journalism—it solidified their passion for it. And in their hearts, they knew it wasn’t just a dream.
Additional settings for Safari Browser.
