By Ella Salom ‘24

In November, members of the junior class engaged in an offsite retreat, the first ND retreat since the beginning of the pandemic. This retreat was organized by our campus ministry leaders (Dr. Quiazon and Ms. Johnston), our student retreat leaders from the Class of 2023, and the staff at Via Services. 

Hosted at Via Services West Campus, the Dragons settled in for a two-day, one-night retreat to bond, cry, laugh and experience everything in between with their peers. Far away from campus and their everyday lives, students unanimously agreed that the retreat was a calming respite from the hectic hustle and bustle of the infamous junior year workload. During the retreat, campus ministry gave the juniors a vast spectrum of opportunities; there were moments of solitary reflection and others of raucous laughter and collaboration. While there were many wonderful events and activities during the retreat, it would be remiss not to mention the ND classic “No-Talent Talent Show,” where the Dragons were able to showcase their energetic and lively sides, with the audience cheering them on with unrelenting enthusiasm. The class was even graced with an improvised (yet incomparable) performance by Mr. Bracco for the finale. 

By the end, students reflected that they were able to grow, get to know new sides of their classmates, and enjoy thirty-six hours without the ever-pressing pressure they feel in their day-to-day lives.