Rose – Every Grade Should Not Get an Overnighter.
I disagree with the idea that every grade should have an overnight retreat. I think retreats should stay something special for the older grades. When only upperclassmen have them, it gives students something to look forward to as they move through high school. If every grade had one every year, it wouldn’t feel as meaningful or exciting anymore.
Also, a lot of students in the younger grades are still getting used to high school. They are learning how to manage their classes, homework, and activities. Some students really need that time to focus on their schoolwork and staying on track. Missing a night for a retreat might make it harder for them to keep up.
Another reason is that retreats for older students are often meant to help them reflect on their high school experience and spend time bonding with their class before they graduate. That kind of experience makes more sense later in high school when students are closer to finishing school.
Senior Katie Boggs, who went on the February Senior Retreat, said, “Upperclassman retreats are something you earn and wait for throughout your 4 years at Cathedral. Underclassman are still getting to know each other and create relationships that are meaningful. Senior retreat, especially, is one of the most incredible experiences and something that has to be taken seriously, the underclassman are not mature enough or have the motivation to take it as seriously. Overall, I think it is worth the wait and even the underclassman retreats shouldn’t be taken for granted, they’re all special in their own way but the longer you wait for upperclassman retreat the more you want it and the more you want out of it.”
So for those reasons, I think overnight retreats should stay something for the upper grades instead of something every grade does.
Grant – Every Grade Should Get An Overnighter.
When asking alumni about their favorite experiences at Cathedral, many highlight their retreat experiences, where they were able to create new connections with new people, specifically those who they might not have connected with before. The common theme of excitement in Instagram posts only tells half of the story. Overnight retreats give upperclassmen opportunities to relax from the stresses of their final years of high school and grow in their individual faiths and beliefs.
As a freshman, I believe due to the immense size of our class, it would be more beneficial to have multiple retreat options throughout the year similar to the upperclassmen. Simultaneously, many freshmen come into the year feeling overwhelmed with the challenge of gaining new friends, adapting into social circles, among other reasons.
This is why an overnight retreat would be beneficial to develop social and emotional learning skills. Statistics from the government show that the transition to high school is often marked by increased anxiety and a need to adjust to new social environments. An overnight retreat would allow underclassmen to connect with classmates on a deeper level with sharing a room, a meal, and different activities.
An ideal overnight freshman retreat for me would include a late night or early morning bus ride, being assigned to groups similar to the upperclassmen, memorable campfires, or various challenges to connect with one another throughout the few days we’re at the retreat location. While the freshman welcome event Lughnasa is an amazing and unique experience, the time is simply not enough to bridge new relationships.
Freshman Thomas Kim said, “I believe Freshman Retreat would’ve had some drawbacks but could’ve overall benefited our class and brought us together.”
Cathedral already offers so many different traditions and events in the year. From Christmas on the Hill in the winter to the Irish 500 in the spring, there are many different options for everyone to enjoy. An experience earlier in the year welcoming new students to the feel of school tradition would help make a smooth transition into life on the Hill.
