The chaos of the cumulative week finally passed. Phew. Bishop’s students can now breathe easy, ready to trade late-night cramming sessions for sunny beaches, snowy slopes, and everything in between after the stress and challenges.
Tropical beaches. Snowy ski resorts. Bustling cities. Serene national parks. Even the simple comforts of staying local. Bishopians found creative ways to recharge. This photo story highlights some of the most popular destinations and how students made the most of their time away from school.
1. Beach Escapes: Sand, Surfboards, and Summer Vibes
For Bishopians who can’t stand the “freezing” 40°F winter in San Diego, tropical destinations like Hawaii offered the perfect remedy. In this stunning photo, Emmie Kao (‘25) is pictured enjoying the soft white sands of Ala Moana Beach at sunset, located between Waikiki and downtown Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, Hawaii.
2. Ski Slopes and Snowy Thrills
“They set it up in Black Forest, so there were trees everywhere,” shared Madison Yau (‘28) about the Triberg Christmas Market in Germany, a stop on her winter vacation. The market’s festive lights and countryside magic brought back childhood memories for Madison, who spent part of her early years in Germany.
3. Big Cities: Hustle and Holiday Lights
For those drawn to the energy of big cities, the holiday season offered dazzling lights and rich cultural experiences. In this photo, Maggie Hao (’28) visited Las Vegas and attended the production show Awakening. “The lighting, the effects, and the props were insane,” Maggie said. “I’d recommend it to anyone visiting Las Vegas.”
4. Nature Getaways: Wilderness and Wonder
According to studies in the National Library of Medicine, our minds and bodies relax in a natural setting, which increases feelings of pleasure and can help us concentrate and focus more effectively. These two images capture the stunning beauty of the Nakuku (Thurston Lava Tube) Trailhead in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden. Such experiences aren’t unique to Hawaii — many Bishop’s students have reconnected with nature and found themselves immersed in similar awe-inspiring landscapes over break.
5. Staying Local: Home, Sweet San Diego
Some students opted to stay close to home, proving you don’t need to travel far to have fun. Kaitlyn Kuo (‘28) spent her break making festive candles with a friend, using scents like rose, eucalyptus, lavender, and peppermint. “It was such a fun and unique experience,” Kaitlyn said. “I’d recommend it as a great stay-at-home activity.”
As winter break came to an end, Bishopians likely groaned at the thought of school, already missing the sweet freedom. After enjoying sunny days, exploring new places, and having the “just five more minutes” naps, they’ve come back to school. With maybe a little more energy, a lot more memories, and just maybe a tiny bit of dread for those first assignments, they are ready to tackle the challenges of the new semester and the new year.
