Seniors in California Literature Travel to Northern California

Max GumbelStaff WriterThough the best literature is universal, understanding the circumstances under which a text was written can enhance one’s comprehension and enjoyment of a book. The California Literature (Cal Lit) English elective class gives students exactly that opportunity; students do not simply read the books, but also navigate their geographical origins.As they took the California coast by storm during a four-day field trip around numerous cities and state monuments, Cal Lit students explored the lands that influenced and inspired writers like John Steinbeck and Jack Kerouac. The annual trip, which started on March 29 and ended April 1,was supervised by Cal Lit teacher Pete Barraza.“The experience allows for the study of literature in a traditional but also experiential sense,” Barraza said. “Students become exposed to the people and places that define our rich state in a variety of ways, ultimately giving tangible reality to our literary and interdisciplinary experience.”Senior Sarvi Sarvian said that Steinbeck’s work was enhanced in her eyes after the trip.“We visited the Steinbeck Center and Cannery Row and the Pastures of Heaven and I could really see why he wrote about them,” Sarvian said.On the third night of the trip, the students witnessed a unique proposal.“Every year on the third night of the trip there is a talent show where anyone can perform. At one point during the show, Charlie [Olsen] went up and started singing this really cute song and walked over to Hayley [Jones], got on one knee and sang, ‘will you go to prom with me?’” Sarvian said. “It was adorable.”Jones was definitely surprised.“I wasn’t expecting a proposal in front of so many people at the talent show,” Jones said. “It was really exciting.”Senior Sara Margulies said Olsen decided to propose to Jones during the talent show at the last minute.“He had been planning to ask her to prom since before the trip, but he decided to get up and sing right then and there,” Margulies said.Sarvian said one of her favorite stops on the trip was at Pismo Beach, a bay approximately 180 miles from Samo.“I was in heaven,” Sarvian said. “That place is so beautiful, I want to live there when I retire.”Margulies said the trip in general was a trip like no other.“We did maybe three or four things every day, all in different cities,” Margulies said. “It was definitely one of the top three experiences of my life.” mgumbel@thesamohi.com