As the final quarter of the year approaches, April and May bring a shift in energy for the seniors. For many, the air is filled with content, as their post-graduation paths have been planned distinctly. Whilst for some, the atmosphere remains uncertain, it is a period of lingering anxiety. However, one thing primarily applies to all as of now: there is a future ahead of us that requires one to take an extra step in their life, one of the biggest steps we will be taking soon. For the last school-sponsored class event, the class of 2026 was stationed in Heritage Hall for two days during their Senior Transition Retreat.
From early morning, at 8:30 am, multiple speakers provided us with essential guides and useful information applicable to our time outside Dalat. On the second day, to balance the weight of our upcoming departures with the friendly community we have formed, everyone took a fresh break and made their way outside to the field for Mr. Riffey’s planned activity.
The field consisted of station-based sanctions, a blindfolded relay race, a water balloon toss, tug-of-war, and hole traps. Divided into seven teams, each team competed against another in each game. The blindfolded obstacle course was a popular topic beforehand, as it was known to include three somersaults. Before the activity, a few of us seniors practiced rolling around in the corners of Heritage Hall between breaks. Nevertheless, during the actual relay race, while some outperformed one another with perfect linear somersaults, a few… deviated, opting for a sideways trajectory.
“It was really funny to see Dawson do his take on his somersaults, our team had a good laugh because of it” (Braydon Lee 12).
Moving on, tug-of-war awaited us; two teams stood beside the rope, holding our stances and grounding our feet.
“My favorite was the tug-of-war because we kept thinking we had a chance, but we did not” (Lucy Seong 12).
The last station consisted of the hole trap, a classic game from Dalat’s Eagle Games. It’s impressive to see how a single ball can ignite such turmoil and a wavering tension within a group.
“I kept losing my patience, so did everyone, each time we thought we’d get a point, the ball would just roll off” (Jonathan Ooi 12).
Ultimately, the fun the seniors had made it worthwhile. A huge thank you to Mr. Riffey for allowing us to have our own mini eagle games; the seniors had a blast, and the joy of teamwork and enthusiasm made for a great experience.
In final words, the field activity connected to one of the most valuable insights given by Mr. Chin, from his words, “We often are too focused on our own struggles and sadness about having to say our goodbyes, we forget that those around us who love us are also struggling and sad about how they are going to miss us” (Mr. Chin). While some transitioned linearly and others went sideways, the goal remained the same: not to leave without an archive of memories. It is important not to let the countdown distract from the experience of staying.
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