On February 14, 2012, Padua Academy’s Sophomore class took their annual retreat to Grace Church. The day started off with a quick meeting in the Cafeteria while attendance was taken and the girls were assigned into groups. A few girls were overheard saying they “hoped we wouldn’t have to do much because they wanted to nap,” but by the end of the day, the excitement level had taken a complete 180.
Padua really does know how to make things fun AND educational. The girls and their groups spent the day praying, talking, laughing, and having heart to heart conversations. Topics that were discussed included decision making, the new found freedom of driving, teen drinking, and our society’s definition of words like “beautiful” and “successful.” It was interesting to see not only the different individuals opening up about their thoughts and feelings, but also how the class came together as a whole when things were discussed at large.
Different activities took place throughout the whole day, but one thing all of the activities seemed to have in common was the sharing aspect and being open with our sisters. Whether it be standing up in front of your entire class and talking about a necklace from your great grandmother, or helping out a friend open the salad dressing bottle at lunch, it was evident that Padua truly has a strong sense of trust, sharing, and sisterhood. Any Padua alum will tell you they still to this day have hundreds of “sisters” that they know will always be there, and Padua’s Class of 2014 will be no exception.