With one step, a group of people that had recently been freed of the academic jail they called “high school” willingly exit the safety of their cars and join another academic environment. Nervous jitters flow through this strange atmosphere all the way from the TRLC to the new rooms they shall call home. These insignificant four white walls will soon contain the memories and joy of the next year. After a soulful goodbye to the people who raised these new scholars, this scared group of young adults are assigned a color and sorted accordingly.
Little do they know that this color will become not only their identity, but their beacon of hope. Now sorted into their groups, they are given the greatest gift you can give a scared little freshman. They are given T.A.L.O.N.S. These amazing people guide the group through the journey called S.O.A.R. They act as caretakers, friends, and inspiration. From the quad, the T.A.L.O.N.S took the first years to the busses where they loaded up bags. From there they led the freshman across the campus to B wing where the T.A.L.O.N.S introduced themselves.
In their introduction, they talk about the activities S.O.A.R has to offer. “We’re SOAR excited that you’re here,” they say. This ongoing pun will follow the now tribes through all of the experience. When the introductions are over, the icebreakers start. These icebreakers will be played so much, that at the end of this trip, everyone will know each other like they were childhood friends. The kids load up into the buses and then they’re off. After an hour and a half in the car, they disembark on a new terrain.
The cabins these freshmen are assigned resemble something of a chicken coop. With eight beds along the walls, the close quarters force these scared chickens to make friends. Next to follow is the night in the field. A band comes and plays classic rock. There the tribes form together to develop chants and defeat the other tribes in ultimate dance battles. Snow cones are served, and friends are made.
The next day follows starting at 7am sharp. After breakfast the tribes are divided and given designated events. From free time, to high ropes, these tribes bond over the new challenges they face. This follows to the next day. On this day, the tribes realize that their S.O.A.R adventure is over. On their last day the tribes do their activities. One of these, is the high ropes. These intercut challenges are designed to force the “triblets,” to get out of their comfort zone and form a new confidence that they can carry into the new year. They must “chase their lion.” This term is thrown around throughout S.O.A.R. and used to help the freshmen conquer their insecurities
When S.O.A.R ends, the friendships that are made do not end. They carry on. These tribes are now bonded, not only with their tribe members, but with their T.A.L.O.N.S. These people are no longer tribe members, but a family. Every member is different in their own ways, but that’s what makes them special. That’s what makes them S.O.A.R-tastic.