When I signed up for the Connections Retreat at Villanova earlier this month, I realized two things, in no particular order. First, I had no idea what a retreat was, and second, I wasn't sure it would actually be worth the weekend away from graduation parties and potential lifeguarding shifts. Well, I can now define a retreat, and I can confidently affirm that it was completely and utterly worthwhile.
Without further introduction, here are 7 reasons every incoming freshman should attend Connections:
1. You get to know campus really well
By the end of the weekend, you'll be a pro campus navigator. From Bartley to Mendel to South and Corr Hall, your confidence while strutting around campus in the Fall will be comparable to that of a senior's. And just a quick tip—your locale relative to the SAC is crucial in determining the quickest path back to South!!
2. You learn how to properly order a Philly Cheesesteak at Pat's and Geno's
Easily the hardest decision you'll make all weekend is Pat's or Geno's. Pat's— a cheesesteak with shredded steak to allow an increase in cheese to steak contact—or Geno's—regular sliced steak with cheese layered on top. Assuming you aren't sent to the end of the line for ordering incorrectly, your experience at Pat's and Geno's will be finger-lickin' good, Philly style.
3. The scavenger hunt pictures will kickstart an epic freshman year photo album
Although the scavenger hunt is less of a scavenger hunt, and more of a "go to [a place on campus] and take a picture doing [this]," nevertheless it is one of the most fun activities of the weekend. Hopefully someday you can get a real engagement shot in front of the church, but for now this will have to suffice:
(Pictured: Members of my Connections group celebrating Pride month this past weekend)
4. You'll learn a bunch of icebreaker games before orientation begins
Who would have thought that talking about yourself would be so hard? Let me tell you, for most of us, it is. What's a fun fact about you? Panic mode: ON. Icebreakers require a lot of quick thinking, and if you don't have any sample fun facts on hand or perpetually worry about sounding too boastful or too boring, they can be a nightmare. At Connections, you not only learn a plethora of icebreaker games (including "Pterodactyl" and "Honey, I love you"), but you also learn a bit about everyone around you and even about yourself, and hey, that's college.
5. You'll begin to understand the role of religion at Villanova
Listen, I get it. I'm not Roman Catholic, and I thought that the word "retreat" aligned exclusively with that particular faith. Not only am I wrong—many faiths host retreats—but the Connections retreat touches very lightly upon religion. It wouldn't be fair to say that it isn't present, but it's certainly not the main purpose of the weekend. Rather, it focuses more on the transition into college, emphasizing hopes and fears for the coming year.
6. The view of the sunrise from the top of the parking garage
I am a staunch believer in getting eight hours of sleep every night; however, when the opportunity to watch the sunrise at 5:33AM from the top of the parking garage arose, I waived my beliefs and walked with a group of my new friends to watch the sun rise over our beautiful new home.
(Photographed by incoming freshman, Ben Crawford)
7. The leaders are some really incredible people
Not many college students would sacrifice a weekend of their summer (a weekend that had beautiful weather, no less) to welcome and befriend a group of highly impressionable incoming freshmen. Thus, those who do take on this role are among the most committed, friendly, well-versed, and overall inspirational students on campus. Many of them attended this retreat themselves and we're so positively impacted that they felt the urge to reciprocate their experience to others. Also, knowing upperclassmen is always cool.
So, for any future incoming freshmen worried about the magnitude of the transition into college, or even minute details like dining hall food or the campus bookstore, attend this retreat. Even just to meet some people, and have friendly faces to bump into (or scream "the floor is lava!" at), attend this retreat. It's worth it; I promise.
(Pictured: Members of my Connections group, including two group leaders)
