As the crowds slowly dispersed after a long day of running and activities, the remaining students chatted warmly about the day’s retreat event. Cheery laughter, voices telling jokes here and continuing stories there, all floated through the lobby area of the Honours College as the skies outside dimmed and the stars flickered.
It all began eight hours before, on a breezy January morning, the 16th of the month.
The Honours College student packed in the multifunction room of the Honours College, all sitting in a giant circle as they attentively listened to Dr. Zenon UDANI speaking of leadership, cultural exchange, and the retreat theme of the day, “LEAD 853”. The students were also split into groups, and everyone participated actively in the different ice-breaking activities and events.
Then came the big challenge: to employ their creativity and ingenuity to make a 3-minute video about life in the Honours College in 4 short hours. Students, of course, ran about excitedly, staging an act here and running to the next point there, all the while did not stop one single moment to cheer each other up. Smiles and laughter was everywhere, as camera lights flashed and computer screens flickered as students slowly pieced their objet d’art together.
Besides having fun and getting to know themselves better, the students also had a chance to know and bond with one another and and to learn about leadership. “I already had two brothers,” said Joy LOI, a student of the Class of 2018, “but after today I feel like I have 48 more sisters and brothers.”
Towards the end of the day, as they each greeted the other good-bye, the students all hung smiles on their faces, reminiscing the exciting times they had together and looking forward to the next fun-filled time.
