About Our Class
Benvenuto to our blog for Jan term 2019! We are a class of 26 college students from Saint Mary's College of California. We have the honor and privilege to be on this journey abroad together in Rome, Italy.
Our class focuses on the history of the early church, through its trials and successes. We study the importance of the Saints, most importantly Saint Peter and Paul, in shaping the church we know today. We will also be exploring how the church's mission has been used to promote core values that are central to inclusivity and equity. Together, we explore Rome to understand these central ideas that relate to our course.
Please enjoy all our unique perspective on this journey. We have included the places we have/and are going to travel as a class, our individual journey's in faith, and the most exciting "must dos" in Rome.
Meet Our Pilgrims
Father Dave
I have been working at Saint Mary’s for 25 years as a professor. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, I entered a congregation of teaching Brothers after high school and taught in Louisiana for a number of years. Eventually, though, I went on to earn my Masters of Divination at the University of Notre Dame, and then, a few years later, my pontifical STL and STD degrees at the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium.
I enjoy undergraduates at the College. I teach the foundational course, “The Bible and Its Interpretation”, and several upper division courses, including a course on Religion and Science. I especially enjoy advising and mentoring students and have had many one on one conversations with students about faith, college life, and their future vocational and career choices. I enjoy priestly ministry with students through celebrations of Mass and the sacrament of reconciliation.
I started “Waling in the Footsteps of the Christians” more than ten years ago, because I saw the potential of a course like this for helping students to really understand the rich and multi-faceted nature of Catholicism through an immersive experience in Rome, where Christianity really took off in the first century.
Brother Chris
Greetings! I am Brother Chris Patiño, a De La Salle Christian Brother who currently serves as Director of Vocation Ministry for the Brothers while being in-residence at Saint Mary's College. Given that I do not have a formal role at SMC, it is a blessing to join this group of young women and men as they explore the footsteps of the early Christians. The young people we serve are at the heart of our Lasallian educational mission and so it is great to have the opportunity to get to know these Gaels through this JanTerm course, accompany them as they consider their own faith journey, and foster community throughout our time together. Enjoy virtually walking with us through this blog... Live Jesus in our hearts forever!
Sister Sara
Hello! My name is Sara Postlethwaite. I am a missionary sister from a community called Verbum Dei. I am originally from Southampton, UK but I am currently living in San Francisco and working in campus ministry. This is my second time accompanying the students to Rome. Why did I come back? Because something special happens during these three weeks here in Rome. As we learn about the first Christians and go to the actual physical places, as we pray, eat and walk together our hearts are changed, new life and hope is born and a beautiful community is formed.
M: JCL/TFT
Junior
Jazzy Sakaniwa
I am from Santa Monica, CA. I am a First Generation college student. I also love collecting movies. This is my first time traveling in Europe and I am very excited to try all the food.
M: Psychology | m: Italian & TRS
Junior
Amanda Ausonio
I'm from Monterey, CA. This trip is very special to me as I was recently confirmed in the Catholic church! I am very grateful to be in Italy to connect with both my culture and my faith!
M: Accounting | m; French
Senior
Ana Cheva Dávila
I am from Mexico originally, but I have lived in Concord, California for most of my life!
A fun fact about me is that I am deaf in my left ear (so I may often ask you to repeat yourself)! Although I do not speak much Italian, I do speak English, Spanish, and French. This trip is my first time visiting Europe, and I am extremely excited to visit sites that have existed for thousands of years and appreciate their architecture!
M: Business Entreprenuership
Junior
Camilo Durán
Hi there! My name is Camilo Durán, I am originally from Bogota, Colombia. I tend to be social and you can usually catch me on a golf course.
M: Business Administration
Senior
Daniel Kever
I’m a senior Finance major from Sacramento. I studied abroad in London a couple years ago, so this is a great opportunity for me to experience class abroad in a more spiritual setting. I’m looking forward to exploring my favorite country while also deepening my faith.
M: Business - Finance
Elizabeth Giron-Medina
Ciaó, my name is Elizabeth Giron I’m a junior studying Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. I’m from Novato, CA. This is my first trip to Europe and I’m excited to make life time memories. I’m also excited to immerse myself in the Italian culture while trying the amazing Italian cuisine.
M: Teachers for Tomorrow
Junior
Erica Martinez
Hi, my name is Erica Martinez and I was born and raised in San Francisco. #blessed. I’m a TFT(Teachers for Tomorrow) major. My goal for this trip is to ride a moped. 🛵💨
M: Integral | m: Theology
Junior
John Burkart
Hi, I’m John Burkart. I’m a
Junior Integral Program major with a minor in Theology. I was born and raised in Pleasanton and I’m the oldest of three.
My interests include photography, country music, and exploring the outdoors with my friends. I also enjoy working for the campus athletics department and IT services as well as being involved in various clubs and student leadership positions
M: Business Finance
Junior
Maci Meyer
Hi! My name is Maci and I’m from Sacramento, California. I’m a junior studying business administration with a concentration in finance. A fun fact about me is that I can say all 50 states in alphabetical order in under 20 seconds! I can’t wait to see all the main sites of Rome. Ciao!
M: Business, Marketing
Natalie Rose Aliotti
Ciao, my name is Natalie Rose Aliotti and I am a Junior at Saint Mary’s College of California. I am a Business, Marketing Major from Monterey, California. A fun fact about me is that I am a passport annual pass holder for both Disneyland and Walt Disney World! Arrivederci!
M: Psychology & WAGS
Junior
Samantha Sicairos
I’m from San Francisco, and this is my first time in Rome. I’m so excited to explore it since I’ve studied Latin and have always been interested in Ancient Roman history. A fun fact about me is that I’m obsessed with mugs, and can’t wait for an Italian addition.
M: Teachers for Tomorrow
Sarah Downey
My name is Sarah Downey. I am in the TFT (teachers for tomorrow), program and am planning on working with elementary school students. At the moment I’d prefer 2nd or 3rd graders. I lived in Ireland until I was nine and have live in Pleasanton California ever since. Some fun facts about me are that I have a twin brother, I like painting canvases, and I have a maltipoo named Rosie.
M: Digital Media
Junior
Tristan Cardosi
My name is Tristen Cardosi. I’m a junior Digital Media Major from Hayward, California. My favorite quote is, “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.," by the writer Paulo Coehlo.
I'm from Half Moon Bay, CA. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to travel abroad since I have never been out of the country before. One thing I am excited to see is the Sistine Chapel.
M: Sociology | m: WAGS/Theology
Junior
Melissa Burnett
I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, but I decided trade in cold winters for California. I’m a Star Wars and Marvel nerd. I’m excited to experience Rome through the lens of the Catholic Church!
M: English: CW/WGS
Junior
Tatiana Novak
Hi! I am Brittany, and I am a history major at Saint Mary’s. I have always been fascinated with world history and when I was given the opportunity to explore one of the oldest cities in history, it was too big of an opportunity to pass up! I am looking forward to connecting with my faith and classmates on this pilgrimage!
M: History
Senior
Brittany Wildas
I am from Petaluma, California. I am a first generation student who is passionate about medicine. My family is from Mexico, so this isn’t my first time puros the country. I hope my faith gets stronger and I get to expand my knowledge on Italian culture.
M: Allied Health Science
Junior
Dalia Gonzalez
I am from Walnut Creek, CA. I am an English major, and I am looking forward to teaching high school English. I am obsessed with watching soccer and basketball. I also enjoy watching movies and tv shows. I have travelled to countries such as Peru and Spain, but this is the first time I’ve done a travel course through Saint Mary’s. I am very excited about getting to see the various sights and experience the culture that Rome has to offer.
M: English
Senior
Diego Vasquez
What’s up!!! I’m Emily Rose Lucas! I’m a senior at Saint Mary’s College of California, studying communication with a double minor in theology and digital media studies. I’m the youngest of four from the one and only, Fresno, California. I hope to one day change the world. Cheers!
M: Communication | m: Theology & Digital Media
Emily Lucas
Wassup, everybody? I’m Jake Pav!! I’m a current junior at Saint Mary’s majoring in Business Finance. I’m from Buffalo, New York (GO BILLS), and came out to California to get the heck out of the cold weather. VIVA ROMA!!
M: Business Finance
Junior
Jake Pavicich
Hello! My name is Joey Carroll, and I am a senior at SMC majoring in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Sports Management. I grew up in Windsor, California where I participated in activities such as athletics and youth ministry. I love going on hikes, camping, and spending time with friends and family.
M: Kinesiology
Senior
Joey Carroll
I’m from Modesto, CA, and am excited to be in Italy to deepen my faith and see all of the history.
M: History
Junior
Mackenzie Nunes
My name is Nathaniel Schultz. I’m a Senior Integral & TRS double Major from Clovis, California. This is my first time abroad, and I'm excited to see all the sites in Rome.
M: Integral & Theology
Nathaniel Schultz
This summer will be 10 years since my first international trip without my parents. I have been to many countries, and I am excited to be traveling among a wonderful group of students on this exciting adventure of faith, culture, and history. I am an avid Disney lover, and have DisneyBounded every day since the class started. Although I am not religious, I am interested in learning more about Catholicism and Christianity. During the trip, I’ll vlog (video blog) my experience. I can be found on my YouTube channel, "DisneyMinnie.”
Fun Fact: Last year for JanTerm, I traveled to Hawaii to unplug and disconnect from electronics, practice the lost art of solitude, and learn the language, history, and culture of Hawaii.
M: Teachers for Tomorrow | m:Psychology
Senior
Sarah Chan
Ciao!
My name is Sedonia Estacio and I am a junior majoring in Allied Health Science at Saint Mary’s. I am from Turlock, CA and I grew up on a dairy farm. I am excited for this trip and life changing experience.
A fun fact is that I am on the Division 1 Women’s Rowing team!
Arrivedeci ðŸ¤
M: Allied Health Science
Junior