Striking down the Retreat

By Anju Takikawa

March 27 may have been just another usual school day for the juniors, sophomores, and freshmen. However, it wasn’t just another usual school day for us seniors. March 27th marked the first day of the Senior Transition Retreat! 

The seniors gathered in the first-floor hallways of Harbor Hall. Some students were excited about the upcoming event, which would be a gateway from the usual school routines. Some dreaded it, as they would have to sit through long hours of the sessions ahead. The door of the Heritage Chapel soon opened at 8:30 a.m., welcoming all seniors. 

Mr. Dobson soon started the first session, introducing us to the Retreat theme: Leave Well to Enter Well! Throughout the sessions, hungry seniors were met with delightful snacks: curry puffs and fruits. With their stomachs full, the next session began.  

The occasional erupt of laughter and the clattering sound were heard throughout the room. The seniors entertained themselves with the many interactive items, such as the wooden stacking rocks, aka the culprit of the clattering sounds, as they listened to the speakers discuss the transitions.  

Soon, the most anticipated time for many seniors begins- finally leaving the school campus! The students eagerly jumped off the bus at Gurney Plaza as they fled to different places and restaurants in no time to eat lunch.  

After nearly an hour, the seniors returned to the bus to head for the next destination: Penang Bowl! Some students were determined to show off their bowling skills, confident they would make many strikes. Others, including me, were less optimistic as their experience with bowling was limited. Nevertheless, a burst of laughter filled the alley as the bowling sessions began, showing that it was still a fun memory to cherish whether you are a beginner or a pro at bowling.  

Grace Cao (12) adds, “I had a really wonderful bowling experience because it’s my first time doing it.” 

Whether the students were anticipating or dreading the senior retreat, it’s safe to say that it was a fun and cherishing time, providing yet another memorable memory for the seniors. Not only were the seniors able to have fun, but they also gained life-worth advice as they prepared for the next stage of their lives.