At Willowbrook Heights, we believe that education is about nurturing the whole person—not just training for a job or learning facts in isolation. Our model of Think, Do, Be challenges students to embrace a way of living and learning that integrates intellect, action, and self-discovery. This spring, we’re bringing this philosophy to life with an unforgettable trip to Mexico, where our students will witness what’s possible when big thinking meets purposeful action and discover their own potential to shape the world.

Think Big: Learning How to Learn

In the depths of the Yucatan jungle stands an architectural marvel: a luxury off-grid eco-retreat, masterfully designed and built in a place where resources are scarce, labor is untrained, and the challenges of project management are unlike anything seen in a first-world context.

For our students, this retreat is not just a destination—it’s a lesson in vision, innovation, and execution. They’ll see firsthand what happens when someone dreams big and has the skills to bring that dream to life. This experience highlights the importance of learning how to learn:

•Taking on one challenge after the next requires critical thinking skills.

•Problem-solving in the face of limited resources requires creative thinking.

•Managing people and projects in an environment that requires ingenuity and perseverance.

Unlike traditional education models that often train students to function in vocational silos, this trip demonstrates the power of holistic thinking. It’s a lesson that goes far beyond the classroom, showing our students how to approach challenges with confidence and creativity.

Do the Doing: Rolling Up Sleeves

Education isn’t complete without action, and this trip offers countless opportunities to do the doing:

•Students will delve into green industries, learning how sustainable energy systems like solar panels power the retreat and how water is extracted, purified, and returned to the earth.

•They’ll explore sustainability hands-on, discovering how simple yet innovative solutions like wood chips can heat a hot tub.

•Through making traditional Mexican tortillas and learning a tribal dance, they’ll connect with culture through the universal language of food and dance, understanding the significance of history, tradition and craft.

Every experience invites students to roll up their sleeves, work with their hands, and immerse themselves in the act of creating and contributing.

Be: Discovering Personal Power and Connection

This retreat is more than a physical space—it’s a sanctuary for self-discovery. Through breathwork, ice baths, and mindfulness practices, students will tap into their inner strength and resilience. 

The students will explore happiness from different perspectives, comparing the aspirations and joys of first-world and developing-world contexts. What connects us as humans despite geographic and socio-economic differences? What can we learn about ourselves by seeing the world through another’s eyes?

These moments of reflection and connection are an invitation for students to be—to consider their place in the world, not in terms of hierarchy or disparity, but as contributors to a shared humanity.

Awe and Wonder: Expanding Horizons

In El Cuyo, the journey continues with experiences designed to inspire awe and ignite curiosity:

•Witnessing flamingos in the wild and marveling at the pink lakes of Los Colarades—natural phenomena that spark wonder and an appreciation for the beauty of the world.

•Learning to kayak or kite surf, stepping out of comfort zones to embrace adventure and new skills.

These experiences remind students of the joy of discovery and the importance of holding onto curiosity throughout their lives.

The Whole, Not Just the Parts

In contrast to education systems that often focus narrowly on training for specific jobs, this trip demonstrates the power of a whole-person approach. By integrating Think, Do, Be, our students will leave Mexico with more than memories—they’ll gain an understanding of what it means to live a life of purpose, creativity, and connection.

They’ll see how learning is not limited to the classroom, how action can build confidence and resilience, and how moments of stillness and reflection help shape their identities and values. They’ll return inspired by what’s possible when big ideas meet bold action and grounded in their own ability to think deeply, act courageously, and live authentically.

Join Us on the Journey

This trip is a testament to the power of education to shape not just minds, but lives. Stay tuned for stories and updates from this incredible adventure—we can’t wait to share the transformative impact with you.

At Willowbrook Heights, we’re building something extraordinary. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.