It was THE BEST SENIOR COLLEGE ESSAY WRITING RETREAT EVER!

True, this was only my fourth year, but still…it was THE BEST SENIOR COLLEGE ESSAY WRITING RETREAT EVER!

If you believe in the power of symbols, here are two that illustrate just how good and successful the retreat was. First, we left GWCS for Lake Anna State Park in a biblical downpour, but the rain ceased by the time we arrived at our destination and within an hour the sun appeared. Ma Nature was definitely rooting for us, and she provided golden and glorious days and crisp, clear, starry nights to enhance the experience. Second, to bring the retreat to a ceremonial close on the second night, we started a bonfire by burning the draft essays the students had brought with them to the retreat. The draft versions were no longer useful or current; they represented the thinking of their pre-retreat lives and, as such, had been eclipsed by time, effort, and perspective.

The beauty of the retreat is that students have an opportunity to disengage from the rigors of their daily schedules and the demands of being constantly plugged in. In a scenic and (mostly) peaceful setting, they benefit from (and enjoy) personal reflection, individualized instruction, and camaraderie.

If you don’t believe me, ask them.

GW Community School
Best Senior College Essay Writing Retreat Ever
Dr. Steve Garon, English Teacher
October 18, 2019