There is a specific kind of exhaustion that only comes from a life-changing experience. For the students at Pleasant View, that exhaustion is currently a badge of honor. After a whirlwind immersion trip to Rome, the past two weeks have been defined by a deep “breathing out”—a time of rest, recovery, and the vital work of reflection.
Learning Through the Senses
To truly understand a culture, one must do more than read about it; one must experience it. In Rome, the students found themselves in a living museum where modern life is built directly into ancient ruins. From the thunderous echoes of the Colosseum to the breathtaking silence of St. Peter’s Basilica, the “Eternal City” became their classroom.
The learning was often found in the “unfiltered” moments: rolling luggage across centuries-old cobblestones, navigating the high-speed intensity of the packed Metro train system, and even the “creepy” charm of local hotels where shower curtains were a luxury and the plumbing required a certain level of faith.
But it was also found in the beauty of the table. Whether it was a breakfast spread of fresh pastries and rich Italian hot chocolate or a “16-slice” pizza dinner at a cozy local restaurant, the students experienced the Italian value of hospitality firsthand. In those moments, they weren’t just tourists; they were guests learning the art of community in a different tongue.
The “Five Senses” of Reflection
Returning to the quiet rhythms of Pleasant View required a deliberate transition. Leadership is not just about having experiences; it is about processing them. During the first week back, students were tasked with preparing “Post-Rome Presentations.”
Rather than a standard report, students were asked to share their journey through the lens of their five senses. This forced them to move beyond the superficial and tap into the emotional and spiritual weight of the trip. They also presented their findings on specific sociological questions they had “carried” with them to Italy, observing how the residents of Rome interact with faith, history, and one another.
The highlight of the week was the opportunity to present these stories to the residents of Pleasant View and the “PV Pals.” Every student concluded their presentation with a powerful “worth it” statement: “If [this one lesson] was all I learned, it would all have been worth it.” Seeing Church History come to life in the eyes of these young leaders was a gift to the entire community.
Preparing for the Next Peak
As much as the students have enjoyed catching up on rest—including energetic games of kickball and soccer at the local gymnasium—the “launch” semester doesn’t stay stationary for long. The transition back to Pleasant View also signaled the start of a new kind of preparation.
The students from the Guide program recently arrived to begin training our groups for the upcoming backpacking “Trek.” The shift is stark: moving from the dense, urban history of Rome to the rugged, quiet wilderness of the trail. It is a transition from observing culture to observing one’s own limits and relying on the Lord in a new way.
Finishing Strong
The past few weeks have been a long stretch for students and staff alike. From international travel to deep academic reflection and now physical preparation for the trail, the momentum of the spring semester is in full swing.
As we look toward the weekend, there is a sense of collective readiness. The students have seen the foundations of the early Church in Rome, and now they are preparing to build their own foundations for the life that awaits them after OneLife. We are ready to finish this year strong, carrying the lessons of the cobblestones into the mountains.