Students at Floyd Central High School are changing the way they view the world and the people in it.

The students are going beyond learning Math, Science, English and History. They are learning about different religions, cultures and races through kids in The Bronx, New York.

10 kids from Floyd Central are paired with 12 kids from University Heights High School in The Bronx to connect and learn from one another.

Lauren Hamby, a senior at Floyd Central, says it has been a life-changing experience.

“It’s really eye-opening. It’s a lot of pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and being willing to try new things. Being willing to expose yourself to things that you may have never known about before. It’s a really big opportunity to grow and I think that’s another reason why a lot of us keep coming back,” said Hamby. “I think it just opens your eyes to see that there’s a lot more possible in the world than we thought.”

The students exchanged their favorite Thanksgiving dish with students nearly 700 miles away. Then the students shared the experience of cooking and making that meal.

Mary Slone, a teacher at Floyd Central, says this partnership is helping break down barriers.

“It really teaches our young people to embrace what makes them unique but also not build a tower about what makes you unique. Let’s make a bridge,” said Slone. “Honoring who you are but also honoring who other people are. That’s free.”

Students coming from very different walks of life are learning that they have more in common than not.

Floyd Central students took a trip to The Bronx, New York in October and students from University Heights High School plan on coming to visit Floyd County in the spring to expand their learning experience.