The Ripple Effect

The Voice of TEAM  Number 24  Spring 2004

(The Spring issue of The Ripple Effect is only available online.)

Reflections From Our Students: "Peace Poles, Peace Fires, and Safety Practices" 

by Mohammed Akhter & Kavinda Wewegama (Peterson School)

On March 20th. 2003, the Peterson Patrol visited Northeasten Illinois University (NEIU) for theit annual field trip to the NEIU Gym to go rock climbing and participate in teambuilding activities. This trip became one of the most memorable field trips for the patrol members. This experience taught us many great lessons about out lives. The teambuilding activities, including rock climbing, allowed us to collaborate and offer moral support to one another. Once we had performed the physical activities and the consumption of our lunch, we went to the grassy area in front of the NEIU Gym Complex to learn about the Peace Fire and the Peace Pole and to complete one last massive activity that would involve serious teamwork.

Once we had gathered outside the gym complex with our facilitator, he talked and explained the Peace Fire and the Peace Pole. Many of us were amazed at its history and symbolic value. At the same time, we were glad to come across something like this at a time when the nation is engrossed in a war. Following the story about the two objects, we were given a task. We had to use two wooden poles to create a fire to light the Peace Fire. This was no simple task at all. It took many of us a significant amount ot time, effort, coordination, and mainly teamwork. Finally, after many tries and failures, the group managed to fabricate a fire and light the Peace Fire. Following the lighting of the Peace Fire, we gathered around the Peace Fire. Then, we began to express what we were feeling at that time, either about the war or the field trip. This was very special for all of us since we got to express our feelings at that moment. We went around the circle and expressed our opinions and were allowed to reflect on the events of that particular day. We talked about the war that we are currently engaged in and we all hoped that peace could be reached while avoiding bloodshed.

When we had arrived back at school, every one of us was feeling special in that we were allowed to be part of the symbolic event, of lighting the Peace Fires. Also, all of us had at least learned one lesson that day. One of these lessons was that we could get along together and help each other despite our differences. The most stunning fact about this lesson was that the 27 students on the field trip had 24 different nationalities. Even with so many nationalities among us, we were able to share, help, and most importantly offer our friendship. Indeed, this field trip had become a memorable and a symbolic experience for all those present on the Peterson Patrol. We were able to show that despite our differences, we could all come together and be friends.