Rachel Tay and Classmates: Headed to Vietnam

As a child Rachel Tay, born in New York, moved with her family to China, where for the next 7 years she savored life in Northern and then Southern regions, moving to Ithaca where her grandparents lived when she was 10. Rachel is bilingual in

English and Chinese and an experienced international traveler.

This year Rachel is a senior at Ithaca High School. She plans to delve into the sciences during college, hoping to help others through the art of design in Biomedical Engineering and possibly minoring in Psychology or Journalism).

In February 2024 Rachel and 29 other IHS students hope to travel to five cities in Vietnam, inspired by their IHS Chemistry teacher Robert Tuori. Previous IHS classes have made an annual trip to Morocco, so Rachel and her classmates, along with 7 teachers and administrators will be charting a new route, while spending time in an Asian culture.

Upon arrival the newly formed Vietnam Club will travel by bus to rural and urban areas, including Hanoi, Sapa, Can Tho, and Ho Chi Minh City. “Travel is an experience like no other. Coming from a multiracial family, traveling is a lifestyle for me, thriving in situations that teach me to adapt, enjoy, and absorb knowledge.”

“In traveling, I expect to learn a great deal about the culture in Vietnam and about global issues in Vietnam, so I can relate to the local people, and as I become more of a global citizen.”

I chose to be a part of the Vietnam Trip for three reasons. First, because of the people. I hope to make connections with peers my age and others, so as to learn more about them and show them care. Second, because of the challenge. I believe in doing hard things because in this way, regrets are lost. In fundraising for this trip and pushing ahead to new possibilities of travel, I am able to motivate myself and encourage others to do the same. Third, because of the beauty. Instead of having heard about Vietnam through an American lens, I would love to have the opportunity to see Vietnam in a way that is authentic and natural and also in just the way it needs to be seen: as a wonderful country.”

Robert Tuori, Ithaca High School Chemistry teacher Robert Tuori: “I was in Vietnam for 3 months winter 2023 on a Fulbright Fellowship for teachers. I traveled all over the country visiting schools, universities, and farms with the goal of learning about the impact of climate change on agriculture in Vietnam and how it is addressed in their schools.”

“The curricular foundations for this upcoming student trip to Vietnam are threefold:

1) To observe the reality of climate change

2) To learn more about the history of the interactions between our countries

3) To experience a culturally diverse society that values and celebrates it many ethnicities and is open to sharing its culture and natural beauties with global citizens.”

“We plan on spending several days visiting a public school in the Can Tho City in the Mekong Delta (the most vulnerable area in Vietnam with regard to climate change impacts). Students will attend classes in the morning and see student presentations on environmental issues. We will visit areas (by boat or bus) around the Mekong Delta Region affected by climate change.

As part of our tour, we also plan on visiting the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace in Ho Chi Minh City, and the Vietnam National Museum of History in Hanoi. These experiences may allow our students to see history from a different perspective: One of a people longing for

independence from a long series of foreign rulers. Students will witness a surprising level of forgiveness and ability to move forward from a difficult past. They may be amazed by the generosity and openness towards Americans, while at the same time learning about our entangled histories.”

“They will see a booming and bustling country that has made enormous strides to build a better life for its 100 million citizens. The ultimate goal of our school visit is the appreciation of cultural diversity and building global connections, both critical to our future in a rapidly changing world.”

Rachel: “The cost of the trip is steep, and the 30 students are eagerly offering outdoor and indoor labor in exchange for hourly pay to enable all 30 students to pay their way.

Each student must work for ten hours toward the cost of the trip. To date the students have raised $4,000.”

We also are planning fundraisers:

– Doug’s Fish Fry: December 19th at the Triphammer Mall

– Gertrude Candy Bars sale: open December 1-December 31

For more information on how you can help IHS students to make their bold trek to Vietnam, contact Rachel Tay at rt2@icsd.k12.ny.us right away.

As a child Rachel Tay, born in New York, moved with her family to China, where for the next 7 years she savored life in Northern and then Southern regions, moving to Ithaca where her grandparents lived when she was 10. Rachel is bilingual in

English and Chinese and an experienced international traveler.

This year Rachel is a senior at Ithaca High School. She plans to delve into the sciences during college, hoping to help others through the art of design in Biomedical Engineering and possibly minoring in Psychology or Journalism).

In February 2024 Rachel and 29 other IHS students hope to travel to five cities in Vietnam, inspired by their IHS Chemistry teacher Robert Tuori. Previous IHS classes have made an annual trip to Morocco, so Rachel and her classmates, along with 7 teachers and administrators will be charting a new route, while spending time in an Asian culture.

Upon arrival the newly formed Vietnam Club will travel by bus to rural and urban areas, including Hanoi, Sapa, Can Tho, and Ho Chi Minh City. “Travel is an experience like no other. Coming from a multiracial family, traveling is a lifestyle for me, thriving in situations that teach me to adapt, enjoy, and absorb knowledge.”

“In traveling, I expect to learn a great deal about the culture in Vietnam and about global issues in Vietnam, so I can relate to the local people, and as I become more of a global citizen.”

I chose to be a part of the Vietnam Trip for three reasons. First, because of the people. I hope to make connections with peers my age and others, so as to learn more about them and show them care. Second, because of the challenge. I believe in doing hard things because in this way, regrets are lost. In fundraising for this trip and pushing ahead to new possibilities of travel, I am able to motivate myself and encourage others to do the same. Third, because of the beauty. Instead of having heard about Vietnam through an American lens, I would love to have the opportunity to see Vietnam in a way that is authentic and natural and also in just the way it needs to be seen: as a wonderful country.”

Robert Tuori, Ithaca High School Chemistry teacher Robert Tuori: “I was in Vietnam for 3 months winter 2023 on a Fulbright Fellowship for teachers. I traveled all over the country visiting schools, universities, and farms with the goal of learning about the impact of climate change on agriculture in Vietnam and how it is addressed in their schools.”

“The curricular foundations for this upcoming student trip to Vietnam are threefold:

1) To observe the reality of climate change

2) To learn more about the history of the interactions between our countries

3) To experience a culturally diverse society that values and celebrates it many ethnicities and is open to sharing its culture and natural beauties with global citizens.”

“We plan on spending several days visiting a public school in the Can Tho City in the Mekong Delta (the most vulnerable area in Vietnam with regard to climate change impacts). Students will attend classes in the morning and see student presentations on environmental issues. We will visit areas (by boat or bus) around the Mekong Delta Region affected by climate change.

As part of our tour, we also plan on visiting the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace in Ho Chi Minh City, and the Vietnam National Museum of History in Hanoi. These experiences may allow our students to see history from a different perspective: One of a people longing for

independence from a long series of foreign rulers. Students will witness a surprising level of forgiveness and ability to move forward from a difficult past. They may be amazed by the generosity and openness towards Americans, while at the same time learning about our entangled histories.”

“They will see a booming and bustling country that has made enormous strides to build a better life for its 100 million citizens. The ultimate goal of our school visit is the appreciation of cultural diversity and building global connections, both critical to our future in a rapidly changing world.”

Rachel: “The cost of the trip is steep, and the 30 students are eagerly offering outdoor and indoor labor in exchange for hourly pay to enable all 30 students to pay their way.

Each student must work for ten hours toward the cost of the trip. To date the students have raised $4,000.”

We also are planning fundraisers:

– Doug’s Fish Fry: December 19th at the Triphammer Mall

– Gertrude Candy Bars sale: open December 1-December 31

For more information on how you can help IHS students to make their bold trek to Vietnam, contact Rachel Tay at rt2@icsd.k12.ny.us right away.