Kent State University at Trumbull is providing scholarships to send five of its students to study in Poland this spring break. The experience will introduce students to the Holocaust as it occurred in Poland from varying points of view, represented by survivors, films, art, and museum exhibits.
The students are Sabrina Barnhart (Bloomfield), Brooklyn Bennett (LaBrae), Brendy Hixon (Southeast), Melissa Kuneli (home schooling), Hannah Sisler (Champion). They will join 20 students from Kent State's campus and four students from Kent State's Florence (Italy) Center.
The experience includes visits to Warsaw, Krakow, Łódź, and Auschwitz – Birkenau. Students will visit museums, share open dialogue with speakers, have the privilege to meet with Survivors and Righteous among the Nations, as well as students and professors from local universities.
“I have never traveled out of the country or have been on a plane for that matter,” said Bennet. “I am a mother of two young girls, working minimum wage jobs, and taking a full course load. This scholarship and study abroad opportunity is a total dream - a once in a lifetime experience.”
Students will also have the opportunity to experience firsthand many of the historic sites with the belief that seeing will lead to everlasting memories and understandings of the horrific events of this period of time.
Scholarship funding has been provided through the Trumbull Campus as well as through a grant provided by Senator Maurice and Florence Lipscher Charitable Fund. Students are only responsible for minimal out-of-pocket expenses.
“Kent State Trumbull has created a wonderful opportunity here for five amazing students,” said Chaya Kessler, Director, Jewish Studies Program. “We are very proud of this inclusion and hope this becomes a yearly collaboration. I look forward to sharing this life-changing experience.”
During their Poland experience, March 22-31, all students will be required to keep and submit a journal based on their trip and submit and present a creative project of their choosing. Kent State Trumbull students will also journal some of their experiences through Kent State Trumbull’s Instagram account.
(Pictured, left-right) Brendy Hixon, Brooklyn Bennett, Sabrina Barnhart, Hannah Sisler, and Melissa Kuneli.