A Different Fall Break

By Vennie Wong

"I think we would get last place or, like, second last," I said hopelessly to Zoe Wong (11). 

She agreed with a sigh. Throughout a volleyball season with little to no wins, it was obvious to think that way. "On the bright side of it all," I said, "we are going to Korea." Korea, one of the highlights of this year's volleyball season…

The plane's bumpy landing that rocked the entire cabin signified we had landed in Korea. Everyone on the team was filled with anxiety and excitement, not knowing how the week was going to go. As we went through immigration and reached the exits, bright lights illuminated every corner of the airport; a closer look revealed them to be convenience stores, the very convenience stores from which we ended up buying dinner. Dinner for the team consisted of kimbap rolls and a bunch of sweet, icy drinks, which was more than enough to end our day. Since it was late when we reached the hotel, we all retreated to our hotel rooms and rested for the night.

Waking up in a foreign place other than my bedroom made me realize the events of last night were not a dream. The start of the new day, with the cold air caressing my face, made me want to stay in Korea forever. What followed were palace visits and a lot of shopping; it was all smiles that day, not yet feeling the nerves of the start of ACSC.

The start of ACSC brought about faces of nervousness, unsure of how each team might play. Although we were doubtful about our abilities, throughout ACSC, every player on the team improved as we played. The team ended the tournament with 5th overall. Senior Renee Tay (12) said about the trip: "It was very fun. We tried to get 4th, but it wasn't in our favor. But, the bonding was surreal even with the coaches."

On the contrary, Zoe Wong (11) had sadder words about the trip: "It was very emotional because there were happy and sad moments. We also stayed in Korea for more than a day, so we got attached. It was sad when we left." 

This year's ACSC trips gave the team new experiences and insight into different perspectives. We learned that working hard doesn't always come hand in hand with success; we also learned about the different friendships we never would've guessed would happen. It was a good ending to many seniors’ last season of volleyball.