For spring break this year, the three of us went on the SR trip to Rome, which was an incredible experience. From walking thousands of steps, to experiencing amazing food, art, and history, this trip was a great way for everyone to connect with new people and learn about Italian culture. Here’s some insight into what we did, and how we carried the Five Goals with us while traveling.
Goal I: A personal and active faith in God
Goal I was all around Rome, and especially in Vatican City. We were in Rome for Palm Sunday and got to go to mass as a whole group. We climbed the Spanish Steps to the Trinità dei Monti, where we got to see the original Mater Admirabilis fresco. In Vatican City, we got plenty of free time to wander around St. Peter’s Basilica, and we got a guided tour through the Vatican Museums, which concluded with the Sistine Chapel (which we don’t have images of since photos were not allowed).
Goal II: A deep respect for intellectual value 
Goal II was at the core of this trip, as it was all about learning about Ancient Rome and how Roman culture has evolved over time. In the ancient port city of Ostia, we saw firsthand what an actual Roman town looked like and how it functioned, also translating a real Latin text whilst in the ruins (and throughout the trip). We learned about different types of Roman columns, tiles, and even the meaning behind the shapes of buildings. In the Galleria Borghese, Vatican Museums, and Capitoline Museums, we saw a great mix of Ancient Roman sculptures and mosaics, simultaneously learning about the stories behind them. We also saw beautiful Renaissance paintings all throughout the buildings, with our tour guides explaining the deep history behind everything.
Goal III: A social awareness which impels to action
While we did not have time in Rome to get directly involved in service in the way we do during Social Action, Goal III presented itself in different ways. Each night at lunch and dinner, the servers and restaurant owners were eager to teach us about Italian culture and history. We immersed ourselves in Italian culture every day by learning to greet people when walking into stores, following Italian norms in restaurants, and being respectful in new and important spaces. For example, covering our shoulders and knees when in churches and other holy spaces.
Goal IV: The building of community as a Christian value 
This trip was an amazing way to develop Goal IV, as we got to build community abroad while traveling with our classmates, teachers, and tour guides throughout the week. As we walked to new sites, went on the metro, ate dinner, and experienced the city together, we were able to talk to people outside our friend groups as well as interact with our teachers outside of the classroom. We were also able to meet the restaurant owners during meals, and our tour guides from Paideia were so welcoming to any questions and conversations we wanted to have. Our group bonded as the week went on, and we’ll always share this experience of being in Rome together.
Goal V: Personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom
Being in a foreign country on a school trip was the perfect place for Goal V to flourish. From hours of free time during lunch to having your own hotel room to share with a roommate, there were many opportunities for self-awareness and growth. We were accountable for our own time and belongings, meaning we had to be on time to meetups after free time and keep track of our valuables (such as our passports). We grew individually and also grew closer in this atmosphere of wise freedom.
