Paris 2025: A time of refreshing, reinvention & reflectionÂ
A major trip just before the start of a new academic year stands out as a time of refreshing, reinvention and reflection. This journey brought us to the capital city of France, Paris. Notably, the trip was exclusively organized for those of us who had just concluded our first year. Led by our Dean of Students, Dr. Ken Moser and Julie Moser, we were privileged to witness history and notable landmarks across the city. The places we visited included: Chateau de Chantilly, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe (a renowned triumphal arch in Paris), Luxor Obelisk, the Paris 2024 Olympic Flame, the Louvre pyramid, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Colonnade and the Bastille.
Of all these places, three stood out to me personally. The first was the medieval Catholic cathedral, Notre-Dame. This cathedral remains one of the most visited monument in Paris and is one of the largest and most popular cathedrals in the world. Sadly, a fire gutted most parts of the building in 2019 and prompted a reconstruction, which took about three years to complete. The cathedral was reopened in December last year. However, the stunning stained glass windows of the cathedral is an architectural feature worth seeing.
The second standout was the Château de Chantilly. This site is historical. Once upon a time, it was owned by princely dynasties and these royalties lived lavishly at the detriment of the lower class. This led to a pillage by angry mobs and the original mansion was destroyed during the French Revolution. Finally, the famous Eiffel Tower! This iron piece is the center of attraction of Paris. It is the most visited monument in Paris. A historical tower indeed, as it has featured in many movies, including James Bond, and offers three levels for visitors to explore.
What, then, was the significance of this trip? This trip was not merely about ticking off items on a bucket list but helped us to journey into the heart of France’s art, history and identity. Most importantly, it was a shared experience. Traveling with my fellow students and the Mosers fostered collaboration and dialogue. We did not just learn about places, but we also learned from each other, forming memories and refreshing ourselves for the start of the new academic year. Special thanks and appreciation to Dr. Ken Moser and Julie Moser for their hard work in making this trip possible.Â
Fortune Eromosele (Nigeria), MDiv Student - August 2025
