Initially, I was nervous about my trip to Italy for several reasons. Most of the participants were Colligate or Early College juniors from the Tarpon or Seminole campus, and I was the only Clearwater Campus, Early College senior traveling in the group. Additionally, I had never traveled to Europe, and therefore I had no idea of their customs and attitudes toward foreigners. However, as I joined my SPC Abroad class at the American Airlines check-in, I was welcomed by a group of individuals who anticipated the trip with a similar sense of unease.

The majority of our time in Italy was spent in Rome, beginning with a 6-hour tour right as we exited the airport in Rome. On this first day, we were greeted by an onslaught of wind, rain, and hail as we trudged through cobbled roads- unfortunately, many of us had left our rain gear in our luggage on the bus. After a quiet walk through “La Cripta dei Frati Cappuccini,” or the catacombs of the bone chapel, we continued to the Trevi fountain and then the ‘Spanish steps,’ taking in the beauty of the city as we went.

On the second day, we went to the Vatican, and our tour guide Francesco gave us a generous analysis of several of Michelangelo’s paintings and techniques which we later saw displayed in the Vatican. My favorite part of this visit was exploring St. Stephen Basilica: In my opinion, this is one of the most breathtaking monuments on Earth. Upon entering this castle, I was immediately stunned by the masterful collage of stone and sculpture. The walls were coated in marble of every color and decorated with complex gold detailing; Each portrait within the building was composed of tiny stones in the form of a mosaic; and the ceiling had bold words of Latin phrases and prayer. It was here that I truly understood the genius of Roman artisanship.

At the Coliseum, I envisioned myself as a gladiator fighting in the spotlight of a roaring crowd. In Pompeii, I beheld the immense Mount Vesuvius in the distance as I walked the ash-coated streets. In Florence, we explored a bustling square as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore towered over us and visited the statue of David in the Academia Gallery of Florence. During our 2 days in Florence, our professors surprised us with a trip to the Tower of Pisa. My friends and I made the most of our one hour at this monument by posing with the tower and enjoying a slice of pizza in its presence.
This trip was undoubtedly one of the most inspiring experiences of my life. The memories I made, the views I saw, and the places I visited will forever be engraved in my brain. Moreover, I bonded with an amazing group of people who I hope to continue to remain in contact with.
– Skylar, SPC Italy (High School) Study Abroad Program, March 2024