Through The Lens
Team Members: Mahoganee Amiger, Julie Binz, Drew Callaghan, Neil Lipsitz, Christine Messick, Sarah Schreiber
Through the Lens was a transformative project focused on building cultural and environmental awareness along the South Carolina coast.
The project unfolded through a series of activities designed to provide a vibrant mix of 20 middle school students with an experience that merged cultural understanding with environmental awareness. The inaugural gathering in November featured a maritime hike and provided the students with the opportunity to engage with their surroundings, capturing the essence of diversity through the lens of photography. These captured moments were used in subsequent gatherings and activities that allowed for introspection and reflection of their journey together.
The December meeting was a day of self-expression with students transforming their photographs into unique pieces of art using mixed media. Reflecting on what “Through the Lens” means, students shared their experiences and photographs and engaged in a group discussion about the diverse images and how they related not only to the changing natural landscape, but the diversity amongst themselves. In addition, students were introduced to a variety of maritime careers in this sessions as well.
The project came full circle in March with students engaging in an immersive exploration departing from the Port Royal Maritime Foundation via boat. This adventure promised to offer an alternative and eye-opening perspective of the coast. The final journey deepened the students’ understanding of the environment around them and reinforced the invaluable role of nature in their lives.
This project stood as a testament to the power of education in shaping a brighter, more harmonious future for all. By fostering connections between diverse cultures and nurturing an appreciation for the natural world, this project aimed to leave an indelible positive impact on the participating students and the communities they represented.