As Jonathan Bedrava carefully folded sheets of colorful paper for the crowded classroom, the students and teachers eagerly watched in anticipation of trying their hand at the ancient Japanese art form of origami. In this case, however, the classroom was far from Jonathan’s Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo campus. It was in the small village of Buche on the northwest coast of Ecuador.

During the summer or 2007, Jonathan was among a group of Ivy Tech students, alumni and friends who traveled to Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands.

Jonathan, named Outstanding Student in the Computer Information Systems program, has made the most of his experience at Ivy Tech. Not only is Jonathan an academic stand-out, but he has participated in a number of cultural activities offered through the Office of Student Life and Development. In addition to the trip to South America, Jonathan also has traveled with the college to Plains, Georgia, to meet former President Carter and to New Orleans to help put one more family back in their home during his time at Ivy Tech. The trip to Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands; however, stands out above the rest.

“It was a life-changing experience,” said Jonathan. “We learned as much from the people that we met as the kids did that day in the classroom. We were taken out of our comfort zone many times. What we learned can’t be found in a book.”

Ivy Tech Kokomo Director of Student Life Alayne Cook agrees.

“I’ve known Jonathan for quite a while. It’s been so great to see them experience what they have—to see them function so well in a completely different environment.

“As we work with students, we never know the result of the stone tossed in the water. We often see the first ripple, but we may not know the impact of each experience. Jon has taken such an interest in learning Spanish on the trip, I could see him as a CEO someday, working in a country where his new language skills will be essential.”

Chancellor Steve Daily fervently believes in the importance of service and experiential learning.

“This kind of trip is what comprehensive community colleges are about,” said Chancellor Steve Daily, who serves on the Save the Rainforest International Board of Directors. “We were able to provide scholarships for two of our students. We try to provide as many opportunities like this as we can for students each year. This trip is one that makes such a huge impact on their lives. It gives them a totally new perspective on the world.”

After graduation, Jonathan will be returning to the Islands for another eco-tourism adventure before heading off to IUPUI in the fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in informatics.

But for now, Jonathan graduates in May signaling the end of his Ivy Tech education. Graduation is only the beginning for Jonathan, though, because as he could attest, the world is his classroom—and class is about to begin.