Tommy Han
With mixed feelings, the seniors waved goodbye to their family as they embarked on the journey of memories. On a Sunday, 27th of August, the students left Penang and began their ride to Phi Phi Island for 5 days of joy and friendship.
Following tradition, the seniors of Dalat took a trip to a place of their choice under the title “Senior Sneak”. The purpose of the trip was to allow the seniors to reflect on their work during junior year and to bond with each other.
After lengthy bus and boat rides, the students finally arrived at the resort. Welcomed by a group of dancers and singers, the students checked into their rooms. The seniors marveled at the luxurious setting of the resort as they got a chance to explore the island. Exhausted from the journey, the students quickly fell asleep with excitement for the days to follow.
The next morning, the students experienced the heavenly breakfast served at the resort. Filled with both Western and Asian delights, students took several trips to the buffet line. A specific favorite, bacon, could be seen on almost everyone’s plates as the students sat amazed by the luscious taste of the food.
That afternoon, the students travelled to a school nearby for a service project. The day was filled with hard work consisting of painting the ceiling, connecting water pipes, and teaching English to the Thai children. Although there existed a significant language barrier between the children at the school and the seniors [with the exception of Areeya Kunawaradisai (12)], everyone could communicate through the language of friendship. Adrian Nonis (12) commented, “Although the work was tiring, looking at the happy faces of the children made me forget about everything and helped put a smile on my face.”
On the last night, the students waited nervously for the sponsors and the ExCom to reveal the final activity at the resort. In a complete surprise, the students were taken on a trip down memory lane. The seniors participated in different activities for each segment of school life. They played games of the past that fit the groups of elementary, middle, and high school. For high school, the students had a chance to view the pictures from their junior year in events such as Servathon and After Sneak Dinner. Hyun Ji Kim (12) explained, “It was really sad when we watched the pictures because I was reminded of all the stuff we did and how time flew.” After, they got a chance to dwell in their thoughts writing letters to their peers and sponsors about special memories that they had shared with each other.
The five-day trip flew by too quickly for the seniors as they took the long journey back home. Although sunburned and drained of energy, the students all returned with a smile. The trip allowed them to contemplate their years in school, strengthening the bonds of friendship and love with their classmates.
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