Yesterday was my freshman retreat. I thought it was nice to have a chance to be at school, but not go to classes and have a day to focus on our faith. However, I do not think the retreat day was put together well for our age. Sister’s talk was nearly three hours long, and we were sitting on hard floors without chairs for all of it. No one was focused on what she was saying because our backs were aching. I understand that we are young, but trust me, everyone was uncomfortable and in pain. I
I recognize that they tried to break up the long talks with some small group activities in between, but it wasn’t really much help. No one was able to focus on what she was saying after the first hour.  The content of the lectures were just not able to keep any of our attention.  This is because we already heard the same story just a month ago on Foundation Day. Personally I feel like Sister’s talk was more appropriate for an Alumnae Group, as it was much more of a history class than an inspiring retreat speech for teenagers.
I love going on retreats and getting a chance to explore my faith in more depth. The chapel setting of the retreat was very nice and relaxing, and I don’t think any part of that section of the experience should be altered. However, I do have a few small suggestions for how the rest of the day could be more cultivating and interactive.
Instead of repeatedly sitting in Alumnae Hall on the floor, some of the talks we listen to could take place in the theatre, with small group activities still in Alumnae Hall. The theatre has a screen that would allow the slideshow to play with much more comfortable seating, and it would not disturb any classes going on. The short walk from the theatre to the hall outside for small groups would allow for much needed movement, and could break up the dull, one-roomed structure of the day. Another idea is having a discussion group on the Spanish stairs after the lunch break. This way, students could have an opportunity to ask questions they want to be answered and understand more aspects of their faith that maybe aren’t covered in the retreat curriculum.
Overall, I enjoyed small parts of the retreat, though I do think that it could be made much for interesting for freshmen to come.