For government teacher Jennifer Mechling, learning goes beyond sitting in class; it happens all over the globe. From the beaches of Normandy to the streets of Madrid, Mechling’s travels have shaped how she sees the world and how she encourages her students to think about global issues.
Class of 2025 Alumna Gabriela Boseman traveled with Mechling on an EF tour last year.
“She really gave us the opportunity to take our experience into our own hands,” Boseman said. “She always encouraged us to ask questions.”
Boseman noted that Mechling’s patience and openness made a big impact on her.
“Mrs. Mechling had her moments, like anyone else, when we encountered delays or unexpected circumstances, but she handled them with patience and honesty,” said Boseman. “She treated us with respect and always listened to what we had to say.”
That same spirit carries over to her teaching.
“Her teaching style works so well because she’s passionate about it,” Boseman explained. “When you’re able to get your students excited about something just as much as you are, it helps us want to learn more about it on our own terms.”
Senior Caitlyn Strader is currently in Mechling’s AP Comparative Government class. Strader appreciates how Mechling connects lessons to real-world experiences.
“It makes what we learn feel more meaningful,” said Strader. “Instead of just memorizing facts, she relates everything to real situations and global issues, which helps us see why it matters.”
Strader added that traveling with Mechling would be “eye-opening and fun. She’d find ways to make every experience educational but also exciting. It would give us a deeper understanding of the world.”
Mechling said her love for travel started early in her career.
“[When I first] began teaching, I had an outstanding student whose mother told me that they traveled to new places every summer because ‘travel is the best education.’ I never forget that!” said Mechling.
Since then, she has traveled to Mexico, Argentina, Italy, France, Spain, and the UK.
“Traveling abroad has impacted my life and worldview by broadening my understanding that people are people,” said Mechling. “We’re more alike than you would expect.”
As Mechling prepares for her trip to Portugal, she reminds her students that the most important lessons often happen far away from the classroom, that learning doesn’t stop at the school doors; rather, it continues wherever curiosity leads.
