The Annual Mayfield Exchange has just occurred at Oak Knoll! Each year, Oak Knoll takes part in the Mayfield exchange with our sister school in England. In the fall, students from Mayfield spend two weeks living in New Jersey with their host families, and then during spring break, the Oak Knoll students go to live in England. It is an amazing experience and a unique opportunity that builds lasting friendships and fosters cultural immersion.
This fall, I welcomed Cece Field to my home. It was an interesting experience because I had only ever contacted her online, and now she was staying in my house for two weeks. After a while, we became closer and it felt like we’ve known each other forever. During her stay, Cece got to experience many American and Oak Knoll traditions, such as fast food chains, visiting New York City, Oak Knoll arts and athletic events, a New Jersey Devils ice hockey game, and seeing Mamma Mia! on Broadway. She also got to spend time with my family, and bond with us. Cece is the youngest of four and I am the oldest of 3, so she got to experience different family dynamics. She also got to compare the United States to England, and reflect on the many differences. For example, while she was here, she learned about American slang and phrases. With our many differences, we also noticed just as many similarities. As we are both from Holy Child Schools, we are linked by our founder Cornelia Connelly, our mission, and Holy Child Goals. Through talking with Cece, I came to realize that even though our cultures are very different, our schools serve the same purpose.
The Oak Knoll Mayfield exchange helps to build lifelong friendships, while also enforcing a Holy Child way of making friends. It is more than a regular trip, it is a reminder that our Holy Child community extends far beyond Oak Knoll. The Mayfield Exchange has shown me that friendship and faith can connect people from across the world, no matter how far apart we live. I cannot wait to continue this journey in England and see how our shared Holy Child spirit brings our two schools even closer together.