MAC Middle Goes Unplugged for Belize Trip

The MAC Middle trip to Belize is right around the corner! Final preparations for travel next week are underway - both practical and mental. One aspect of the trip that students are mentally preparing for is to be fully unplugged for the duration of the 10 day trip. During the World Leadership School program, students are challenged to take a break from technology and any connectivity to the internet and social media through personal devices. The purpose is to foster an experience that is fully immersed in the present moment. Though being unplugged from technology for this time period will be difficult, we hope it helps our students to fully connect with the people, culture and environment they will encounter in Belize and give them the space to reflect on their experience in an undistracted way. It is also a great opportunity for students to think deeply about the role that technology plays in our lives, a theme that they have been exploring as they prepare for their upcoming ACT III presentation of learning, “The Great Technology Debate'' taking place at MAC on Wednesday, March 1st from 4:30-6:00pm. Students have mixed feelings about going unplugged for the trip. One MAC Middle student said, “I think the biggest challenge will be not being able to listen to music and contact my family,” while another student said, “I have honestly been meaning to get off my technology more. You get to see more and I feel like it might clear my mind to be off of technology.”

Show your solidarity by participating in our “Unplugged Challenge” alongside the MAC Middle students from February 9-18th, and take a break from technology in whatever capacity you are able. We will follow up before ACT III to learn about your experience and what impact it had on your life.