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At NSCD, Interim offers upper school students a chance to step outside the classroom and explore experiences that challenge their perspectives, spark curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world. This week, students are engaging in a wide range of opportunities — from hiking and connecting with nature, to exploring history, language, and culture both locally and abroad. Here are just a few insights, surprises and moments of growth from their experiences so far, offering a glimpse into how these journeys are shaping the way they see themselves, their communities and the world around them. 

Lessons From an Italian Table
By Emily Ver Eecke ’27
Italy: Under the Tuscan Sky

Today was such a fun and unforgettable day! We started the morning with breakfast at the hotel before walking to a local school for an Italian class. It was fascinating to see how similar Italian is to French and Spanish — it made learning so much easier! After class, we visited an Italian food market to practice our new vocabulary and order lunch. I got the most delicious truffle pasta and mango gelato!

After lunch, we took a scenic walk and bus ride to a beautiful Tuscan house that had been transformed into a kitchen for cooking classes. It was honestly one of the most fun experiences ever. The three chefs who led us were full of energy and made learning how to make pizza and gelato so enjoyable! We even got to toss pizza dough ourselves. We ended the night eating what we made while watching the most stunning sunset over the Tuscan fields and villas.

Later that evening, we had a group discussion about Italian culture and what has surprised us the most. One thing that stood out was how meals in Italy are treated as meaningful moments of connection — not something to rush through. Italians take their time eating, talking and enjoying each other’s company. It made me think about how, at North Shore, we also value community, yet often only have 30 minutes for lunch. Experiencing this difference reminded me how slowing down — like the Italians do — can help us build stronger, more genuine connections within our own community.

Nature Was Here All Along
By Ruby Waters ’28
Nature Writing and Solitude

This year I chose Nature Writing and Solitude as my Interim. Yesterday, we hiked and walked trails around Glacial Park and today we did the same in McCormick Ravine. I think the biggest shift of perspective I've had is realizing how little time I spent completely alone in nature, or just in nature in general. By having the time to go to these places and having hours to just walk around, it really puts into perspective how little time in my normal life I actually choose by myself to go outside. A lot of times my excuse has been that Illinois is not a place that has hikes or trails or beautiful nature, but this Interim has already shown me the exact opposite. We found great trails an hour away and fifteen minutes away. I think it's really easy to make a bunch of excuses when thinking about spending time outside —  especially in cold weather or in a state like Illinois that is not known for wildlife. But if you make the effort anyway, it's so beautiful and extremely calming. So far, I've had a great time connecting with nature in both silence and with my classmates and I'm very excited to hike Starved Rock tomorrow! 

Tracing Resilience Through Berlin’s Past
By Max Flemma ’26
Berlin and Prague: History. Art. Culture.

Yesterday we got to tour the Berlin Wall, which was truly amazing. It was super interesting to learn about how different the two sides were, and how people resisted in different ways. After that, we got to tour the Reichstag. From there we walked to the Brandenburg Gate, where we learned a lot about life and culture in Berlin during World War II. After that, we had a traditional German dinner! The trip has been amazing so far, and everyone has learned a ton. 

Finding Meaning in Chicago’s Monuments
By Charlotte Potthoff ’29
Monuments, Memorials and Memory

Today, we visited multiple monuments, including the Union Stockyard Gate and the Ida. B. Wells National Monument. Although I’ve seen both already, I was surprised by how much there was still to learn and explore about each. Through deep symbolism and historical roots, I’ve learned so much about the community through the creativity of these monuments and how their design greatly shapes their meaning. Now, I look at Chicago differently, realizing just how much has changed over the years.

Stepping Through Time in Japan
By Avalon Felty ’26
Experience the Wonders of Japan

In the first three days of this Interim trip we visited 11 historical sites. Climbing to the top of Mt. Inari through hundreds and hundreds of Tori gates and visiting the inside of Nijo Castle were my favorites. The Tori gates on Mt. Inari were densely packed with barely a foot of space between them in some areas. The sun was setting as we climbed, making the bright vermilion red paint of the gates even more vibrant. About halfway up, there was a view overlooking all of Kyoto. We paused to watch the radio towers and street lights below us softly twinkle. 

Nijo Castle was definitely another highlight. We took our shoes off to walk through the halls that once belonged to the Tokugawa Shōguns. Each room had shimmering gold walls with beautifully painted tigers, pine trees and hawks. After our tour was over we got to walk the palace gardens and feed the colorful fish that were living in the palace mote. 

I write this while sitting on the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Kyoto to Minobu. Tomorrow we will be in Tokyo. I can’t wait!