w INTERMISSION
In order to make a difference in the world, Nardin students experience it.
Our high school wINTERMISSION program is a weeklong experiential learning opportunity that takes place between the Fall and Spring semesters at Nardin, throughout Western New York, and beyond. Students engage in meaningful experiences related to their intended field of study or career interest and are introduced to the amazing things our alumnae are doing throughout the world.
wINTERMISSION is a time of discovery for students to explore the meaning and importance of Nardin’s mission, which is to inspire hearts and minds to do amazing things for the world through faith, character development, academic excellence, and service.
These academic intensives, internships, service experiences, and trips are designed to inspire students to engage in learning for learning’s sake, without it being attached to a specific course or to a grade.
THE 2025 experiences w INTERMISSION:
SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW
While meeting a Nardin graduate who shared her inspiring story as a Rwandan refugee, and working closely with Journey’s End Refugee Services, students learned about the resettlement process and what life is like for refugees. This experience took place on and off campus, and a significant goal was to refurbish and repurpose furniture to help create a new home for refugees.
SOUND RECORDING & MIXING EXPERIENCE
Students learned the essentials of audio recording, engineering, and mixing in a hands-on and collaborative atmosphere by taking raw musical, vocal, and even podcast ideas and elevating them into polished and finished work. They also had the opportunity to learn from professionals in the business. Sound is a critical element of creative storytelling, so this experience was perfect for students interested in music, filmmaking, or podcasting.
FIRST RESPONDER EXPERIENCE
Students were introduced to careers in areas such as Paramedics, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT), and firefighting during visits to Mercy Flight, Kenmore Mercy Hospital, Woodlawn Fire Station, and the Erie County Fire Training Academy. After training, they earned certificates in CPR and basic first aid.
STUDENT TEACHING EXPERIENCE
For students who are interested in a career in education, this program allows the opportunity to student teach in Nardin’s Montessori, Lower, and Middle Schools, where they observe classrooms, work as aides to the classroom teacher, and create and implement an activity/lesson.
WE’RE TALKING PROUD: BUFFALO HISTORY
A Nardin graduate who is an Emmy winning producer for the Sabres and Bandits provided a tour of KeyBank Center and a meet and greet with Sabres alum Martin Biron to kick off this experience. Students then discovered the rich history of Buffalo and explored the community that they call home during visits to the Buffalo History Museum, Black Musicians Club, AKG, Darwin Martin House and Graycliff, the Underground Railroad Heritage Center, the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, and Our Lady of Victory Basilica.
BUFFALO’S MEDICAL CORRIDOR
Students spent the week exploring the places and meeting the people who make Buffalo a top destination for health care. While exploring the many paths a career in medicine can offer, they participated in a practice robotic surgery at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and visited Oishei Children’s Hospital, Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute, and UB Medical School.
LOCAL, STATE & FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WITH HOMELAND SECURITY
This session was ideal for students who are interested in pursuing careers in civil service, political science, law, or law enforcement. Students had the opportunity to watch live court proceedings, observe tactical SWAT team training, meet a variety of K-9 units, operate TSA checkpoints at the Buffalo Airport, get a behind the scenes look at the local Border Patrol office, and view live fire training from a tactical anti-terrorism squad with a Special Agent from Homeland Security.
THE GREAT NARDIN BAKE-OFF
Students spent three days immersed in baking tutorials, recipe building, experimentation, and learning the science of baking. On day four, they presented their best baked good to a panel of judges made up of faculty, staff, and students. Additionally, local patissiers spoke about owning and operating a small business in Buffalo, and students wrote a short reflection and built their own recipe based on what they learned throughout the week.
SELF-CARE ISN’T SELFISH
After a busy first semester, students spent the week nurturing their mind, bodies and spirits. A Nardin graduate who went on to become a therapist facilitated a presentation on mental health and wellness. Students then created selfcare tool kits and discussed what it takes to become their best selves. Additional activities included yoga, art, healthy eating, and art and nature appreciation.
EXPERIENCE THE ARTS IN NEW YORK CITY
Students flew to The Big Apple for an enriching week centered around the performing, visual, fine, and literary arts. The group visited art museums and toured Radio City Music Hall, where they met with two Nardin alumnae who are current Rockettes and had a private dance workshop with a cast member from the Broadway show Hell’s Kitchen, which they saw the following evening. After a tour of the New York Times building, students met with a Nardin alumna who leads the audio team there and got a firsthand look at how the media company’s podcasts are produced.
SERVICE TRIP TO NEW ORLEANS
Students had a powerful hands-on experience as they served the most vulnerable in the community at the New Orleans City Mission. Here, they learned the value of community, the advantages of simple living, and the importance of spirituality.
EXPLOREMOS PUERTO RICO |
DISCOVER PUERTO RICO
Students travelled to San Juan, Puerto Rico, where they mingled with locals and saw Taíno, Spanish, and American influences converge. They explored forts and learned how colonial architecture can blend with modern buildings, walked along the stone walls of El Morro, danced, ziplined, snorkeled, and basked in the natural wonder that is Puerto Mosquito Bioluminescent Bay.
LAS SELVAS DE COSTA RICA | THE JUNGLES OF COSTA RICA
While immersing themselves in the rich culture of Costa Rica, students visited a coffee plantation in Monteverde, ziplined in the lush Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, participated in a local cooking lesson, hiked around the Arenal Volcano, and took an invigorating dip in natural hot springs.
