By Claire Newfeld

When I walk into Room 206 on a steaming Thursday afternoon, I see a group of eager students gathered around Mr. Bolt at the whiteboard in the front of the classroom. There is a loose drawing of South and Central America on the board. They’re having a discussion about Bolivia, and then begin making plans to add to a larger map they’re drawing on filler paper.

I’m surprised. When I heard about a new Geography Club being formed this year, I thought of a boring classroom with students sitting at desks memorizing all the countries in Africa, or reciting the capitals of every state in America. I did not expect to see students actively engaged in the discussion and activities, sharing their own travel experiences and little-known facts about countries and landmarks that I didn’t even know existed.

The meeting is informal, with the focus on learning and having fun, and when 4 p.m. rolls around, I find myself wondering why the time went so quickly.

The Geography Club meets every Thursday after school in Room 206 from 3-4 p.m.