On January 17, twenty students stepped out of the classroom and onto the open ocean for a whale and dolphin watching trip in Newport Beach. The excursion gave students a rare opportunity to observe marine life up close while experiencing hands-on learning beyond school walls.
For many students, the trip was both exciting and emotional. Paulina Hernandez, a student who joined the excursion, shared that she had always been interested in dolphins and whales but felt nervous before getting on the boat. “I was so excited because I always wanted to see dolphins and whales,” Hernandez said. “I was a bit nervous about getting seasick, but I was surprised by how happy I felt when I saw them up close.”
Her experience reflected the excitement shared by many students on board, especially those with a strong interest in marine animals. Even students who were not previously interested in ocean life found themselves captivated by the experience.
The trip was especially memorable because of the number of animals students encountered. More than 2,000 dolphins were spotted freely swimming and jumping alongside the boat. Jiin You, another student on the trip, said the moment changed how she viewed marine life. “I was most excited about seeing dolphins swimming freely in the ocean,” You said. “I was surprised by how close they came to the boat, and it made me more aware of marine animals.” She would describe the trip as a rare and unforgettable experience. Special memories aren’t only made up of luxurious locations or special people. It could make up from our sparkling memory that we really experienced.
Teachers also emphasized the educational value of the excursion. Rick Duque, one of the teachers who attended the trip, explained that the goal was to provide students with hands-on learning opportunities. “My goal was to give students a hands-on learning experience,” Duque said. “It was a trip where students were highly engaged and excited.” He added that experiences outside the classroom help students form meaningful memories that connect learning to real life.
The whale and dolphin watching trip demonstrated how experiential learning can deepen students’ understanding while creating lasting personal memories. By connecting students directly with marine life, the excursion showed that some of the most powerful lessons happen beyond the classroom.
