Shattering stereotypes with every swap, a groundbreaking exchange program is offering kids from red and blue states a free ticket to explore the diverse landscapes of America, and challenge any misconceptions they might have about places far from home. 'It's kind of hard to say no to a free trip, but I had this obsession with just seeing everywhere I can, especially parts of the country. It's amazing to see, especially the Midwest,' Z.J.
Schwartz's experience took him to South Dakota, where he expected to find little more than a barren landscape with the occasional house, but was pleasantly surprised by the number of things to do. 'I grew up in a very populated area, so seeing huge fields, farms, just stuff that I never thought I'd get to see, those are kind of the best experiences because it's a whole new part of the country. It's almost like it's almost like another country,' he added.
Schwartz's own ideas of the Mount Rushmore State were shattered when he witnessed parts he never expected and participated in several fun activities that shaped his experience. 'When we flew in, we flew to Sioux Falls, which is a beautiful, vibrant city, and then Flandreau is this tiny town, but it's absolutely beautiful.