Having spent much of my half term on a school trip to the US, I have had the privilege of lots of time to people-watch (think subways, long walks, mealtimes, and a whole lot more). Whilst I can of course now recite the beginning of the American Constitution and tell you everything you did (or didn’t) want to know about the Liberty Bell, I have also learnt a lot about the different kinds of people you will encounter on said school trips. So, for your general knowledge, here is a WHS school trip bingo, of sorts, of the kinds of people to look out for (and perhaps avoid, depending on your personality!)
The Photographer
The one person who always has their phone out, no matter where you are, snapping away like their life depends on it. Their camera role is a mix of candid photos of people asleep on the subway, the colour of the sky, and random exhibits in museums that they think will one day be useful for their coursework (hint – they won’t be).
The Academic
Will be making notes on everything and anything you see. Will always find a way to link what you see to their subjects, and is the person who, immediately upon return, will have begun their half term homework. Bonus points if they’ve brought their laptop with them and are working on journeys between places.
The Food Obsessed
The day revolves around when, and where, the next meal is coming from. Engages in debates with others about whether today a burrito day, a burger day or a hot dog day is. Will always have strong opinions about where the group decides to eat.
The-hasn’t-adjusted-to-local-time-yet
Whether or not the time difference is five hours, or none, there will always be one person who struggles to adapt to the time zone of the trip. This is the person who groans every morning when woken by an alarm, spends their morning wishing they were still asleep, and is the first to be in bed when evening rolls around.
The Fount of Knowledge
Will be able to produce random facts about everywhere you visit. Bonus points if the fount of knowledge is a student, not a teacher.
The Forgetful One
Can frequently be found looking for their phone, their passport, their hat, their jumper, their water bottle, and anything else they might have misplaced. Normally, all of the above can be found on their person or in their pockets.
The Well-travelled
Has previously been to every destination you are going on the trip, and will be able to navigate you around every city. Especially useful when you’ve lost sight of teachers.
The One who gets Lost
Undoubtedly, on any trip, even a geography field trip to Wimbledon village, someone will get lost. It is inevitable. This person will provide lots of entertainment to others, but probably enjoys the experience a whole lot less themselves.
The Museum Lover
Loves every museum you will visit. Excitedly leads you all to the exhibitions they most want to see and will take photos of everything, so they don’t forget it.
The Fashion Icon
Spends every day looking like they’ve washed and curled their hair and had time to perfect their outfit. Is normally best friends with the person who can’t remember when they last washed their hair.
The Leader
Will take control of organising the group, doing headcounts, and making sure everyone makes it to the right places. Normally a teacher (shoutout to the wonder that is Ms Beckwith for keeping us all largely in the right place at the right time) but can also be one of us.
All jokes aside, getting to go on a trip at WHS is a wonderful privilege, and I’d encourage anyone who can to make the most of extracurricular opportunities like this (and of course, to play bingo along the way). And as a parting gift, I leave you with a reminder that headphones, an eye mask, and a good book are all completely necessary essentials for your survival.
