This year five new trips were added to Sion’s Deep Dive opportunities that will take place this spring

Trips to Iceland, the Galapagos Islands, Boston, Mass., Dallas, Texas, and Italy were announced Sept. 4 by Director of Curriculum and Assessment Katie Durkin, and Director of Instruction and Engagement Emilie Lai. 

During the assembly, there were seven in total traveling Deep Dives announced: Dallas, Texas, Boston, Mass., the Galapagos Islands, Iceland, Guatemala, Italy, and Australia.

“All the Deep Dives sound intriguing,” junior Daniella Johnson said. “You get to learn about the environment around you and you have a lot of fun getting closer to Sion sisters.”

Durkin explained that deep dives have been constructed to match students’ requests. Students will be able to learn in a different way outside the classroom and make new connections and friendships.

“I think the first thing it does is it forces you to be uncomfortable,” Durkin said. “And when you step outside of your comfort zone and you’re in a new place with new people, then you really have to be open and kind of let each day evolve.”

The Director of Admissions Katie Glatz said that Deep Dives help attract students to Sion. Not only that, but students and teachers get to know each other on a whole different level than being in the classroom.

“It serves as icing on the cake,” Glatz said. “It is an extra experience and opportunity to possibly sway students into a profession.”

Durkin, Glatz and Johnson all agree that it is beneficial to have an open mind when choosing the Deep Dive. They want students to pick real world learning experiences that interest them. Students will apply to travel Deep Dives by Sept. 18.

“I think Sion is really intentional about developing experiences in a way that gives you opportunities,” Durkin said, “to connect with people and with the culture and with the environment and the places that you go to.”