This past summer, West Forsyth provided students with an incredible opportunity to travel with their classmates and explore some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations. From the ancient ruins of Greece and Italy to the beautiful culture and wildlife found in the Galapagos Islands and the unbelievable,otherworldly lands of Iceland. These trips weren’t intended just for sightseeing; the trips allowed students to step out of their comfort zones, learn about different cultures face-to-face and create unforgettable memories alongside their peers.
Italy and Greece
English teacher Lynn Peterson and art teacher Elizabeth Betson were the teacher administrators for the Italy/Greece trip. The first destination was a trip through Italy and Greece, where history comes to life. Students visited spectacular sites like the Colosseum, the Acropolis, the Trevi Fountain, the ruins of Pompeii, the Vatican and so many more.
Peterson has had her fair share of traveling across the world; hosting previous cultural exploration trips, journeying across the world after she graduated college and even taking vacations with her family during her summers.
“I love traveling, and I had led a few student trips before I had kids. I wanted to take one more trip before I fully retired, and Italy and Greece relate to some of the literature we read in class. They [Italy and Greece] are also my favorite countries in Europe,” Peterson said.
All students who signed up for the trip were greatly influenced and excited for many different reasons. For many, the appeal lay in the opportunity to step outside of their comfort zones, meet new people and gain a deeper understanding of the world that went beyond the classroom.
“I was inspired to go on the Italy and Greece trip for many reasons; all the girls that signed up were basically my closest friends, I’ve always had a fascination with both Italian and Greek culture and I absolutely adore Mrs. Peterson. How could I possibly pass this opportunity up,” senior Ella Fergus said.
Students who went on the trip flew back to NC with so much more than a couple of evil eye souvenirs and post cards. They returned with memories that they will never forget.
“I truly believe I went on this trip for such an important reason because it brought me my best and closest friends and I became closer with so many of the girls,” senior Leah Sebastian said.
The Galapagos Islands
Spanish teacher Sibela Pinochet administered the journey to the Galapagos Islands. Students who ventured to the Islands experienced an unforgettable journey into one of the most beautiful and biologically diverse ecosystems on Earth. Pinochet and her group explored the natural wonders of the islands, from the wildlife and the organisms that are unique to the Galapagos to the volcanic landscapes and crystal clear waters.
“My students inspired me to administrate this trip because when you learn language in the classroom, we don’t just teach language, but geography, history, politics and science as well,” Pinochet said.
Beyond the breathtaking scenery, students engaged with local tour guides and native community members and gained insight into the people’s efforts into preserving the balance of such a unique environment.
“We visited some cities in mainland Ecuador and then were all over the Galapagos Islands. My favorite places were a gold covered church in Quito and a water filled canyon in one of the mountains. Both were so breathtakingly beautiful I don’t think I’ll ever forget them. As for my least favorite places, I don’t think I had any. Everything was so incredible it’s hard to come up with any complaints,” senior Jenni Romero-Monico said.
Iceland
The adventure to Iceland offered students the chance to explore landscapes unlike any other. Social studies teacher John Blake administered the trip to Iceland. The journey wasn’t simply for exploring the unreal scenic routes, it was highly educational, highlighting the geological wonders of the country and Viking history.
“This was my first time visiting Iceland, and it definitely lived up to everything I’d heard about it. The trip was incredible. Every day felt like an adventure. My favorite memory was seeing everyone’s faces light up when we hiked to the waterfall at Skógafoss. The sheer power and beauty of it really made you stop and take it all in,” Blake said.
Administering a trip to Iceland definitely isn’t an easy one. Immense amounts of planning, booking and research are required to create a safe and successful trip. Although a great deal of time and energy goes into fabricating a once-in-a-lifetime experience for students, Blake was more than willing to take on the task.
“I’ve always believed that travel is one of the best teachers. Organizing the trip to Iceland was a chance to give students an opportunity to see the world in a new way to experience different cultures, landscapes, and perspectives firsthand,” Blake said.
Whether strolling through ancient ruins, wading alongside sea turtles, or standing before huge glaciers, these students walked away from their trips with more than just a couple hundred photos. They walked away with a new set of perspectives, friendships and understanding of the world around them. While West continues to offer such once-in-a-lifetime global experiences, it’s clear that the memories and lessons that these students walked away with will stick with them as they grow and mature. Be on the lookout for information posted concerning the next summer trips being hosted.
