China Trips for the Seniors: Yes or No?

Last year, Beacon journalists wrote an article where the seniors of Class of 2019 expressed their complaints on China Trips. The vast majority was overwhelmed with stress from college applications and internal assessments, causing them to be dissatisfied of the faculty’s choice in seniors mandatorily going to China Trips. Resultantly, there is a possibility that seniors will not be going to China Trips this year.

According to Richard A., GenCo 12 President, “Mr. Timmerman met with [GENCO 11 representatives last year] considering canceling senior China trips.” The school’s decision in moving all high school China Trips to May also creates conflicts with the IB Final Exams, which may have been the primary reason as to the possible cancelation of China Trips for the seniors.

The faculty has decided to let the seniors decide whether they want China Trips or not, in addition to the destination. However, the seniors have not come up with a united answer. Different students have different perspectives that arose arguments within each other, with some wanting China Trips and some not. According to an anonymous senior, “While I somewhat understand why China trips were canceled, I really wish they weren’t. In my experience, even though China trips are something we complain about, they’re really fun afterwards. I feel like as this is our last year, we should at least be able to go and do something that’s fun and enjoyable.”

Many students are also commenting on how unfair and unjust it is for underclassmen to travel to places like Beijing, while seniors are not given a refund from the school’s tuition which covers China Trip’s costs.

There are no conclusions drawn yet, with Mr. Timmerman, GenCo 12 representatives, and staff members still debating and discussing upon this issue. What are your opinions on this matter? Comment below!