Christine Jaballas
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Dearest Field Academy Supporter,
The Field Academy has positively impacted my life in various wonderful ways. First, as a student of the Summer 2011 New England trip - and I still find myself daydreaming of the days that I get to return to the lobster boats in Freeport, Maine or snack on JP licks ice cream on a hot summer day. Prior to the Field Academy, I thought the only form of a proper education was the one I was receiving: waking up early in the morning to sit in a white room with rickety desks while listening to my teacher give us a lecture. However, that is not the case, and much to my surprise, the Field Academy introduced me to experiential learning! Not only was I learning about the history of the Penobscot Native Americans, but also meeting the members of the tribe while on their reservation. I was learning much more than I would have from a standardized textbook. I was more attentive because I was learning from people who have connections to the history, in fact, I wanted to learn more which is more than I can say about my education before. I learned different perspectives on the issues others were facing that enabled me to connect to my education in a personal way. I was not interacting with random people or places; I was engaging and experiencing with community members that had powerful messages to convey that in turn bettered my education and self. Now, as a junior at Loyola University Chicago, I still believe education should be this way. I left that summer of 2011 more ready and enthusiastic to learn about the world than I had ever before. I am thrilled to be a part of the Field Academy Board of Trustees and to have the opportunity to work with the amazing, and I mean just outstanding, people behind my own personal experience with the Field Academy. Four years later, I am still deeply involved with the Field Academy because I want to give other students the same opportunity to empower themselves through education that I had. I personally believe knowledge is the most powerful tool one can have, and I fully support the Field Academy because they do not put a limit to anyone’s education. I hope my full confidence and involvement in this program convinces you to support the Field Academy as well. Thank you for your time, and please help other students experience these opportunities! Sincerely, Christine Jaballas |
Christine was one of the Field Academy's first students, traveling all the way from Chicago, IL to help shape the first pilot program in New England. She is currently a student at Loyola University and has just returned from studying abroad in Chile. She has been an active and passionate member of our alumni community for the past five years and has recently joined the Field Academy Board of Directors.
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