By Mailan Nguyen
Staff Writer
About 25 members of Mira Costa’s Friendship Circle club went on a field trip on April 13 for their annual trip to Disneyland.
Friendship Circle is a club that brings general and special education students to bond, eat lunch, participate in school activities and play games.
“Friendship Circle is a chance to sit back and watch pure friendships being made, it makes you look at highschool students in a different way because everyone looks out for each other, not just themselves,” Friendship Circle Club sponsor Stephanie Giacchetti said.
According to Friendship Circle president Leah Fox, just by making a small effort like saying ‘Hi’ and talking to the special education students makes their day.
“I always know when I go to Friendship Circle that I’m going to a nice and kind environment. People go to Friendship Circle for the benefit of the special-needs students, but for me, when I go, it is just as beneficial for me as it is for them,” said Fox, “I never feel burdened by having to go there every week, I actually really like going and hanging out with them.”
According to Giacchetti, for some of the special education students, going on this annual trip has helped them improve on their social skills by socializing with the other students, while getting to know them and making new friends.
“From my special education students, I saw an increase in their independence and social skills, everything went so smoothly and the students really stepped up and took charge which was really amazing to witness.” Giacchetti said.
According to Giacchetti, all of the students’ experiences were amazing and they all had a lot of fun while getting to work on their social skills and bonding with the other students.
“My experience at Disneyland with them was super fun! I loved spending time with them, they were so playful and fun to be around. Going on the rides with them was a bonus, and I really felt like my relationship with each one of them was getting closer,” Fox said.
Friendship Circle is always welcoming new members throughout the year. They meet two times a week usually on Tuesdays and Thursdays in room 115 during lunch.
“This field trip taught me to be happy and grateful for the opportunity to help others and make new friends along the way.” Freshman Sabine Maser said, “The Friendship Circle Club is a club for everyone, It has a family-like feeling and is a happy place where everyone gets along and where we are all happy to see each other.”
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