ALEX GROVES
Teaching at SCCC: 2 years
Program: Mathematics
Where did you go, and why?
This was a trip to Rome with a group of educators. We spent three full days there. It was a learning trip to prepare for a bigger trip next year with Education First (EF) Tours. I’ll be leading a group of 15 students (and some parents) on a trip to Rome, Venice, and Florence.
Memory that takes you back to the trip?
I mean, it is absolutely beautiful. The architecture that has been there for 1,000 years, it blows my mind. These are amazing structures that have stood the test of time. The people are wonderful, of course, and the food is delicious.
Favorite food and/or beverage?
Honestly, the pizza. The pizza was so good. It was like what I’ve always imagined pizza should taste like. There’s something about the wheat there, the food there, it just tastes nutritious.
What was one life lesson you picked up?
It was really hot. I had to accept that I was going to be sweating all day, dress appropriately, to hydrate. We have tools to make our world a little bit smaller. I got on a plane and in less than a day I was halfway across the world.
How does the travel experience affect your work at SCCC?
We have a lot of international students, and I am bilingual (Spanish), which helps me communicate with many of them. But traveling opens your perspective, and opens your view of the world. I feel like I understand our international students a little better.
Next destination?
My next trip destinations are Spain, and England.
LAURA ROSALES
Role: Director of Outreach to SCCC’s 11 partner high schools
Where did you go, and why?
We went to Portugal, Spain, and France. It was my parents, my 10-year-old son, and me. We went to a lot of faith based, I guess you would call them pilgrimage sites. Our Lady of Lourdes, Notre Dame, Our Lady of Fatima. My parents are getting older. I wanted to have this experience with them while we still can.
Standout moments? Barcelona was probably my favorite. There’s so much to see and do. It’s by the Mediterranean Sea. We saw a flamenco show.
Memory that takes you back to the trip?
The churches we went to were so meaningful because of the spiritual feeling, but you’ve gotta say the Eiffel Tower. We had to take the stairs because the elevator was broken. It added a little bit to the experience. We had to go up the stairs, had to achieve it.
Favorite food and beverage?
Paella in Barcelona. I had always seen it and wanted to have it in the place where it’s made traditionally. Also, the wine!
What was one life lesson you picked up?
The world is way bigger than Kansas and the U.S. I wanted my son to see that, and that it is a strength to know more than one language. We speak English and Spanish, but he doesn’t use it. We met a man who spoke nine languages, and it was so impressive. For myself, I learned again that we make traveling harder than it needs to be. If you just plan it out and you save, you can do it. We should travel more.
How does the travel experience affect your work at SCCC?
I want to learn more languages! There must be students on campus who can help me, tutor me. Maybe there could be a conversation club or table in the cafeteria. I want to learn Portuguese and I want to learn French.
It made me reflect on people here, where I am blessed to know English and Spanish. But going to another country where I don’t speak the language reminds me to show grace when I am with people here who don’t speak one of the languages I know.
Categories: Growth Mindset, Saint Stories, The SCCC Team
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