The week of September 9th through September 12th, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy’s class of 2027 set off on our junior retreat to Catalina Island, filled with excitement, curiosity, and a little bit of uncertainty about what they were getting themselves into. Their days were filled with activities, late-night conversations, and some unexpected challenges.
For some, the most meaningful memories weren’t during the high-energy activities, but in the simple moments at the end of the day.
“At the end of the night when we were all walking around in our [pajamas], brushing our teeth together, and going into different cabins to say goodnight before lights out. It was so fun, and I loved spending that time with my friends,” said Raya Frayeh ‘27.
Another meaningful memory for people was the nature they got to encounter. For Lila Munoz ‘27, the glowing bioluminescence in the water was the standout moment of her trip. Snorkeling, night swims, and an evening by the campfire added to her adventure. Her trip came with one takeaway, which was to “wear sunscreen.”
For others, the retreat was a chance to face fears and step out of their comfort zone. With encouragement from her group, Edie Remender ‘27 was able to finally try something she had always avoided.
“Snorkeling ended up being one of my favorite things I’ve ever done,” said Remender.
Remender also found meaning in the quieter, more emotional moments this retreat had to offer. During a small group activity where students shared personal struggles while passing a string to each other, she realized how much support these girls had to offer.
“It reminded me that everyone is going through something,” Remender ‘27 reflected.
That activity, along with building friendships outside of her usual circle, made her come back to school feeling that it was a more welcoming, connected place.
For Carolina Angulo Aragon ‘27, who is new to the school and ResLife student, the retreat was both a challenge and a gift. She enjoyed the wide range of activities and said it was a chance to bond with classmates she rarely saw during the school day.
One of her biggest lessons came from the rock wall.
Though she didn’t make it to the top, she realized the importance of celebrating the effort of even trying.
“You should be proud of what you have done. At least you tried your best,” Aragon ‘27 says.
While some students reflected on the retreat with gratitude, others shared a more critical view of the experience.
“To be honest the retreat did not make me closer with any of my classmates because I am already close with them. Rather than closer it almost distanced me from them because we weren’t allowed to spend time with other classmates that weren’t in our groups,” stated an anonymous Tolog.
This Tolog admitted that the retreat felt more like a quick-paced summer camp rather than a reflective getaway, but she still walked away with a reminder to “not take things for granted.”
The junior retreat clearly meant different things to different juniors. For some, it was about the calm nights watching the moon rise and glowing oceans. For others, it was a lesson in balance. However, what they all shared was the chance to pause, step away from an everyday routine, and reflect on who they are becoming as a class.
The memories from this trip, whether it was the last night with the group campfire or the hiking with beautiful views, will always be remembered by our junior class.