Beyond the Classroom: Hazelwood East Students Discover the World in Costa Rica

For Mr. Jarnell Flowers, education has never been limited to four classroom walls. As Hazelwood East High School's homeschool communicator, Flowers has spent the past eight years creating meaningful opportunities that help students grow academically, socially, and personally. This summer, he turned his vision into reality by leading seven students from Hazelwood East: Katrell Robinson, Rachael Ray, Alisha Shouldeen, Danijah Young, Annebelle Epley, Imani Mu’min, and Mikayla Anderson, on an unforgettable eight-day educational journey through Costa Rica. This was the school’s first international trip with EF Tours in recent memory.

The experience wasn't simply about visiting another country. It was about expanding perspectives, building confidence, and showing students just how much the world has to offer."I have the mindset that education is not just confined to a classroom," Flowers said. "One of the things that I love doing is exposing students to things they have not done or have not seen."

That philosophy has guided Flowers throughout his career. Whether organizing field trips, introducing students to career professionals, or taking students to theatrical performances, he believes some of life's greatest lessons happen through experience.

When an email from EF Tours appeared in his inbox in 2022, he immediately recognized an opportunity. “A lot of times, kids that we serve may not have the opportunity to travel," Flowers said. "I said to myself, if I could bring traveling to Hazelwood East, that would be great."

After meeting with families and sharing his vision, seven students committed to the adventure. Over eight days, the group explored four regions of Costa Rica, immersing themselves in new cultures, languages, landscapes, and traditions. For many students, it was their first time traveling internationally—and even their first time boarding an airplane.

Watching students experience those milestones remains one of Flowers' favorite memories. "Seeing their expressions and their excitement—it was exactly why I did what I did," he said. "I remember thinking, 'This is why I'm doing it right here.'"

While students embraced every new experience, Flowers took on another important role. "My number one goal is to bring all your babies back safely," he said with a smile. "When we got on the plane, I immediately went into 'dad mode.'"

Throughout the trip, students zip-lined through the rainforest, snorkeled, paddled canoes, rafted white water, kayaked, rode a boat on the Crocodile River, visited an active volcano site, went on a coffee and pineapple farm tour, and explored vibrant Costa Rican communities.

One stop left a particularly lasting impression—a community where residents commonly live to be 100 years old.

Students learned how healthy eating, strong community connections, and a slower pace of life contribute to remarkable longevity.

Flowers said those lessons were just as valuable as anything found in a textbook. "The more you know, the better off you are," he said. "You never know what kind of seeds we're planting when we expose students to different things,” Flowers added. “The trip also inspired students to think beyond graduation. Many talked about learning Spanish, studying abroad, and traveling again. In fact, before the journey even ended, students were already asking one question: "Where are we going next, Mr. Flowers?"

For Flowers, that curiosity is exactly the outcome he hoped for. "It motivates them to want to travel more. It inspires them to learn a different language and understand different cultures. It lets you know just how big the world is."

Beyond sightseeing, the students also gained an appreciation for different ways of living. From tasting fresh local foods to supporting family-owned businesses, they witnessed firsthand how culture, community and daily life differ around the world.

The experience reinforced Flowers' belief that travel helps young people become more compassionate, curious and globally minded citizens. "Learning is not just in the classroom," Flowers said. "It's taking field trips. It's going on trips. If you get the opportunity to take kids out of town, I would encourage it."

As Hazelwood East celebrates this milestone, the Costa Rica adventure reminds us that some of education's most powerful lessons happen when students step beyond familiar surroundings and into the wider world. 

The next EF Tour is a trip to London and Paris in the 27-28 school year. Flowers will hold an informational meeting this fall for students and parents. 

For seven Hazelwood East students, Costa Rica wasn't simply a destination—it was the beginning of a broader vision for their futures. And thanks to the dedication of Mr. Jarnell Flowers, that journey has only just begun.