The University Academy seniors went on the annual senior trip from Oct. 6-8. They visited four colleges including Missouri State University, University of Arkansas, Drury University and Philander Smith University. This three-day trip allowed students to learn about different types of colleges and spend quality time with one another.
The senior trip is an activity UA students look forward to during their senior year. The trip is organized and chaperoned by Mr. Joshua Burdette, the college advisor, Ms. Susie Jackson, the Manager of Upper School Operations, and two staff members from UA Foundation. They plan things such as the locations, colleges, places to eat, activities and more. The students’ role on the trip is simply to be on their best behavior, learn and have a good time!
This year, the Class of 2025’s feedback on the trip ended on a positive note. For some seniors, this trip will help them determine the direction of their future.
UA senior Darian Fielder-Bey said, “The trip made me think about what I really wanted. … I took away a greater appreciation for Drury University since it fit a lot of my personal criteria for colleges.”
Touring the colleges helps students actually get the feel of being on campus, which is the main goal of the trip. This allows students to realize firsthand what kind of environment they would like to be in and what fits them best.
Since the seniors spent three days with each other, they really warmed up to one another. Students opened up and conversed with different classmates more than they may have before the trip. Most students enjoyed the communication aspect of the trip most of all.
Kaelyn Pointer, another UA senior, said, “My favorite part of the trip was bonding with the class and seeing a side of them that you don’t see every day and having longer conversations than what you would have in the hallway.”
Fielder-Bey shared a similar point of view.
He said, “My favorite part was eating with everybody. It was cool to live with the senior class. I enjoyed the laughs and fun conversations.”
The senior trip is more than just an important learning experience, it’s also a chance to build deeper connections with peers.
The senior trip is a positive, successful UA tradition that has been going on for more than a decade. This trip gives students an extended opportunity to hang out with each other while thinking about their futures as the graduation countdown continues and the time to make big decisions approaches.
Good luck to the Class of 2025, and may the senior trip be great for the future seniors!
