As a current AP World student at Monte Vista High School, I have thoroughly enjoyed going into depth about Tang and Song China, Medieval Europe, The Columbian Exchange and other crucial parts of history. However, no matter how detailed our textbooks may be, nothing compares to the real deal. Well luckily, three amazing Monte Vista High School history teachers are offering students a golden opportunity that extends far beyond the classroom, the trip of a lifetime. On this eleven-day adventure that will take place from June 19th-June 29th 2023, Monte Vista AP World and European History students will tour several destinations including Rothenburg, Munich, Lucerne, Heidelberg, and Rhineland on an expedition throughout Germany and Switzerland. Facilitated by EF Educational Tours, the payment for this trip covers everything from lodging, round-trip airfare and entrances to various landmarks.
In hopes of finding out more about the trip itself, I interviewed Ms. Goodman, a World Geography and AP World History teacher at Monte Vista. She is helping to coordinate the trip and will be a teacher chaperone. Ms. Goodman also just happens to be my current AP World teacher. In our interview, Ms. Goodman reflected upon her own Europe trip that she took when she was in high school and recalled how remarkable it was to witness notable historical attractions in person. She went on to acknowledge the stark contrast between reading “primary and secondary sources” compared to physically seeing these attractions. For Ms. Goodman, gaining these firsthand experiences made her visit all the more special, and she looks forward to this upcoming trip for the same reason. When asked about what she believes her students gain from this experience, Ms. Goodman touched upon how attendees are able to “[see] history come to life” and cited historical events such as the “Renaissance,” elements of which students will be able to identify during the trip. Additionally, Ms. Goodman highlighted how rewarding “being able to experience another culture, see[ing] what people are like in a different country, and immers[ing] yourself with the food, the artwork, and overall experience” can be. In regards to the locations themselves, Ms. Goodman stated that Switzerland was chosen because of its “natural beauty,” as it features attractions such as the “Swiss Alps [and] Lake Lucerne” (Goodman). Germany was chosen specifically because it played an instrumental role in “European history and understanding World Wars” (Goodman).
As a student who is fortunate enough to be taking this trip during the upcoming summer, I can’t help but feel both nervous and excited at the same time. Admittedly, I have never traveled anywhere without my family before, and so the thought of going on this adventure without them is slightly intimidating. But at the same time, I look forward to the inevitable feelings of independence and liberation that I will experience when traveling on my own, with my friends and teachers. In school, students sometimes wonder when they will be able to apply what they have learned to a real life setting; Something tangible that extends beyond their textbooks and exams. This trip enables students to do just that, exploring the world and immersing themselves into different cultures while making memories that will last a lifetime.
By Dylan Reyes, Sophomore at Monte Vista High School
Dylan Reyes is a current Sophomore at Monte Vista High School. He is a first time author for the publication who loves creative writing. At Monte Vista, Dylan is an active member within his school community serving as a Sophomore officer in the Leadership class. Furthermore, Dylan is a proud Filipino American who sought to enrich the student body when he founded the first Filipino American Student Union at his school. Dylan’s role in the Danville Youth Council also allows him to stay updated about the latest news within our town. In his free time, Dylan enjoys talking about and playing basketball with his friends, playing fantasy football, and podcasting, a more recent hobby of his. Dylan is excited to pursue this writing opportunity and looks forward to highlighting all of the positive developments at Monte Vista High School and the Blackhawk Community at large.