Last Stop: New York

Business Trip 2003 - Chicago, Boston, New York Wednesday morning's trip began at 6 AM, when students boarded a bus to Fidelity's New York offices that overlook the World Trade Center site (Ground Zero). Students spent the early morning with six top Fidelity executives, who shared their personal experiences of September 11th. The emotional stories of heroism and care made this visit extraordinary. The students saw first-hand the true impact of the tragic events, and it changed their perspective and their views of the world forever. "After meeting these businessmen and listening to their personal stories, 9/11 is now very real to me, and something I will remember for the rest of my life," said Perri Ling. Later that afternoon, students visited St. Paul's Chapel, which sits next to Ground Zero, and viewed the exhibits there. Students had a lot to say about this series of visits related to 9/11. Senior Savana Kretchmar said that she was deeply moved to learn of many specific instances of people whose first priority was to help others. Students learned how the events of 9/11 impacted the world of business, and what efforts were needed to restore all the businesses affected, with the emphasis on caring for their employees.

More than that, they learned that the incident changed many people's priorities related to their families and communities. They heard many stories from employees of not missing their children's science fairs or soccer games, or chances to be with family and friends. Students continue to talk about how it challenged, and sometimes changed, their views of people, politics and war.

Later Wednesday morning students were in for a big surprise. Although the New York Stock Exchange and even its Visitors Center were closed to the public, students were hosted by Fidelity's top New York trader, who took the students to the Visitors Center and then to view the floor from an open balcony, a treat usually reserved for business VIPs. To top that off, students were then taken onto the trading floor in the midst of the active trading day! They learned that there were other trading floors connected to the one commonly seen on TV and in the movies. They got to explore all of this, stop and talk to people involved and find out for themselves exactly what goes on during an actual trade. They were allowed to ask questions, and everyone they met went out of their way to help the students understand what was going on. Every student saw the classroom theory fall into place, and as they said, "It all makes sense now. I get it!"

Alfred Atamian said, "At first it was all a blur. Then, as I got used to it and I cleared up my confusion, I was able to see and understand a lot of what was going on around me. My perspective on the New York Stock Exchange changed forever." Headmistress Rosemary Didear proclaimed that being on to the trading floor was one of the most educational moments of her life!

Business Trip 2003 - Chicago, Boston, New York The students visited many other businesses during their visit, including First Investors with offices on Wall Street, Apax Partners, Boston Properties, Morgan Stanley and Bear Stearns. Students took the subway to Queens and then trudged through the snow to the Cotton Exchange's temporary location (it was housed in the World Trade Center before 9/11).

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