My Philadelphia Trip with Martha’s Table’s Global Passport Program

Story and photo by Maestro Joyner.

From February 15th to 18th, 2024, I participated in the Martha’s Table’s Global Passport Program, which offers high schoolers between the ages of 14 and 19 the opportunity to travel on a no-cost regional or international trip to see the world beyond their neighborhood. 

We traveled to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on an Amtrak train, a nationwide rail system that spans from the eastern to western regions of the United States. In Philly, my group went on a tour of Trolly Works company, visited many historic sites like the Liberty Bell Center, Benjamin Franklin’s brick house, Market-Frankfort Shop, The National Constitution Center, the LOVE and AMORE statues, and Elfreth's Alley. We ended day one with a Broadway show, watching a modern twist of Mrs.Doubtfire at the Kimmel Center.

Day two began with a college tour of Temple University, where we got to see its gymnastic area, a large basketball court, dance studio, large food courts with many dining options, and many diverse programs for students. My favorite part of the tour was the food court, since I want to attend a college that gives me many options to choose from. To learn more about Temple University, visit their website here. 

After the college tour, we ended the day with a tour of the Philadelphia Magic Gardens, which is a non-profit organization that exhibits the artwork of Isaiah Zagar, who creates art from used handmade tiles, bottles, bicycle wheels, mirrors, and international folk art. The Magic Gardens shows off the artistic side of Zager and helped me understand who he was as a person, and how he expressed his feelings on topics through his art. To learn more about the Philadelphia Magic Gardens, visit their website here.

On the third and final day, we went on another college tour of the University of Pennsylvania. There were multiple buildings for different majors, like medicine, arts and culture, and athletics. They also have many clubs, ranging from culture to medicine. Students can create their own clubs if they choose to do so. My favorite part of the college tour was when we ate at the Hard Rock Cafe. They have a very diverse menu with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. They offer many healthy options for vegan or vegetarian students as well. To learn more about the University of Pennsylvania, visit their website here. 

Overall, Martha’s Table provided us with the opportunity to travel to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, explore different customs and try different foods. Martha’s Table's main goal is for the youth of the southeast area to discover new interests and passions, lower stress, increase self-confidence, and gain new skills and perspectives. It’s a new way they want to give back to the community. To learn more about Martha’s Table Global Passport Program or learn how to give back to the community, visit their website here.  

I felt overall excitement about this trip. The sites, knowledge, and perspective that I have gained during this trip made me excited and adventurous about the different information that was out there. I recommend this trip for students who want to go out and see the world. Students can apply to this program when they have a trip available, and If I was chosen to go again on another trip I would like to go to expand my national view of the world. 

Maestro Joyner is a junior at Friendship Collegiate Academy.