Bearden teacher Mrs. Anna Graham took a group of students to Italy over the summer.
They visited an assortment of places that included Milan, Venice, and Rome, among many others.
During their time out of the country, they noticed a big difference between Tennessee and Italy.
“Just being able to watch their faces when they realize that the world doesn’t always live how Americans live,” Mrs. Graham said. “Whether that’s family life, status symbols, and what is popular, it is really interesting to just see how they react when they realize not everybody acts like an American teenager.”
They went on many adventures during this trip and had new and fun experiences along the way. Senior Ellery Alm said Capri was her favorite part of the trip.
“As much as I love the cities, going on the coastal area is just surreal,” she said. “The water is so clear, and so blue and I got to go on a rocky beach and I thought it was so cool. I got to cliff jump and swim and got to go on a water taxi.”
The group also was able to tour the Vatican and take in so many prominent pieces of historical artwork.
“It was just breathtaking,” Alm said.
One place that everyone admired was a small Italian coastal city called Assisi, which Mrs. Graham described as “a small European village that’s wonderful because it’s more walkable, less crowded; it is not as hot.”
Added Alm: “It was so adorable. I absolutely loved it. That was my favorite hidden gem.”
After a trip of new experiences and learning, many are excited for the new summer trips to come.