Pacifica Stories

Read our reflections on the Pacifica Travel Spring Break trips this year! Faculty member Scott Comer, who led a group of freshmen and sophomores through London and the UK, and our principal Erick Streelman, who adventured with the upperclassmen in Italy, share their thoughts on this year’s travel experience. 

Scott Comer - London and the UK

One of the problems with education is that we value answers so much more than questions. This is not to downplay the art of accuracy in problem-solving or the fruits of knowledge, but if philosophy begins in wonder, we should provide more space for questions and the types of engagements that generate those questions. Part of this is on the teacher to set up his or her classroom to facilitate this activity, but another part of the problem is that many students are worried that asking questions makes them look “less than” in front of their peers. As teachers, we know this isn’t true, but for some students, the classroom is too small to risk exposing ignorance. For these students, a larger classroom is necessary. This is one of the reasons we value travel at Pacifica Christian High School.

Students on the England trip were immersed in inquiry. Some of these questions came from our guide (and many of the students with the knowledge earned in their History and English classes had answers), but most came from the students themselves. As they were confronted with new places, new foods, and new systems, the questions increased.

“Why do British people drive on the left side of the road?”

“Why is it called Piccadilly Circus?”

“Who was King when the Tower of London was built?”

“What are bangers and mash?”

These questions evolved into quests, which are questions that are lived.

“How do we take the tube to get from Hyde Park to the Imperial War Museum?”

“Can we make it from the Nelson’s Column to Covent Garden to eat lunch and get back in 90 minutes?”

“Where is the best place to get macarons?”

Successful quests build confidence and the desire to explore more. Failed quests are not defeats; they are just a method that didn’t work out and will be improved upon next time.

Whether wandering through Stratford or Bath, exploring Oxford, or working their way through London, the freshmen and sophomores were asking questions– learning not only information, but skills and independence. They were not only building community, but friendships. I believe this trip will energize their activities in the classroom and inspire them to travel more. I hope to see them, and more students, on our trip to South Korea and Japan next year.

Erick Streelman - Italy

The travel program is an absolute highlight of the Pacifica experience. This year, we brought sixty juniors and seniors to Italy. In nine days we saw Rome, Assisi, Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Cinque Terre, and Lake Como. The entire trip was an amazing integration of history, art, faith, and culture.  It was also an incredible opportunity for student and staff connection. Our students had an amazing experience. Check out a few of their quotes!  

Senior Sienna Safari said, "My favorite part of the trip was enjoying quality time with my teachers at a lovely cafe in Florentine piazza. We just sat, talked, and took in the culture of one of the most beautiful cities in the world."  

Senior Andrew Ginsfeilder said, "My favorite part of the trip was the picturesque city of Assisi. Topped with a breathtaking view of the vast countryside from the Rocca Maggiore castle, and accentuated by the majestic Basilica of Saint Francis, it was hard to believe that Assisi’s impressive architecture could exist in such a naturally beautiful place!"

Senior Zane Worth said, "A group of us found a castle at the top of the mountain, paid a couple euros to look around and ended up finding a modern art exhibit and seeing one of the most beautiful views I've ever seen of Italian countryside in all directions. It was truly unforgettable and was just one of dozens of memories from the trip that I'll cherish for the rest of my life."

Junior Zoe DeBenning said, "One of my favorite moments of the trip was getting to see Boticelli's The Birth of Venus. Getting to see the painting that I studied in a tiny picture in my AP Euro textbook, and then getting to see it in person, felt like the culmination of my history classes at Pacifica. This work of Boticelli served as a landmark piece of art during the European Renaissance. I stared at it for a couple of minutes and just felt so happy and lucky, that I had the privilege of learning amazing things, and then getting to experience them in real life." 

Junior Vyvien Estes said, "My most memorable Italian experience was the day we arrived and the first thing we did was go to the heart of Rome. We walked to the Spanish steps, the Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon. We also got some delicious gelato to go along with it."

I am so proud of our students and the way they viewed the trip as an extension of their learning experience. It was an unforgettable week and we are so privileged to do this every year with our students and staff. In two words, the entire week was molto bene!