Each year, NuVu High School seniors are offered the opportunity to take their Capstone research on the road. This annual ritual combines research, exploration, and personal growth, all while deepening connections between students. This year, seniors chose San Juan, Puerto Rico, as their pilgrimage destination.

Along with coaches Salma Islam and Ryan Ferguson, students spent their time balancing work on their individual Capstone projects—a year-long deep dive into a topic of their choosing—with exploration of the beautiful city of San Juan.

As Coach Salma explains, “This trip is essential as it allows students time to work on their projects but also learn more about the world beyond where they’ve grown up.” Before departing, students watched documentaries and a short film to learn more about Puerto Rico and its history, helping to deepen their understanding of the culture before their arrival.

“These discussions were so fruitful and really helped contextualize the experience beforehand—not as a vacation, but as a cultural learning opportunity,” said Coach Salma.

In addition to their work time at the lovely Airbnb, students spent a day in El Yunque National Forest, hiking, sliding down a natural water slide, and cliff jumping. They also explored Old San Juan on a walking tour, learning about the island's rich history, and bonded over shared dinner responsibilities and games.

“Students were challenged to grow and feel comfortable as a group, and through this, they really got to learn about each other and themselves,” shares Salma.

Both coaches share that trips like these allow staff to gain a greater understanding of students as individuals and help foster relationships built on trust, bringing their educational teachings to a deeper level.

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Photos by Ryan Ferguson