Recently, Covenant Prep 8th grader Michael Slappy was selected to be one of just four youth ambassadors from Hartford to join a powerful educational program taking place in Beijing, China. The school could not be more proud of Michael for being chosen and for representing the city of Hartford all the way across the world. Share below are is what Michael had to say about the life-changing experience.

“I’m forever grateful that I was given the opportunity to visit China! Through the influence of Ms. Cannavo and Ms. Clarissa, I was able to apply to the EmpowerED Alternatives Winter-Friendship camp in China. After obtaining our visas, we began Saturday classes where the Student Ambassadors would learn about Chinese culture and language. When the day came to board the plane, we were all excited.”

“First we traveled to London and explored, visiting places like the Big Ben tower. Secondly, we arrived in China for our days of sightseeing and we visited the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Great Wall. The sights left us in awe, and we were welcomed by the locals. After days of adventure, the friendship camp began. The students were kind and humorous and made the lessons engaging and worthwhile.”

“The students were kind and humorous and made the lessons engaging and worthwhile. The counselors quickly became the Ambassadors best friends with their unique personalities. My favorite part of the trip was the karaoke on the day before the closing ceremony. Finally, the trip came to an end in Japan after visiting the skytree. I never thought Covenant would take me abroad, but they did and it was the time of my life!”