The air fills with a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation as TCS Seniors prepare for their upcoming trip to San Andres, Colombia. Graduation is just around the corner, and students consider this island getaway a much-needed reward for 14 years of late nights studying and endless early mornings.
As many already know, the 2023-2024 school year comes to an end, and Seniors feel overwhelmed, anxious, and sad; but the upcoming events balance out these emotions. As several describe it: ‘Excitement is not enough to describe our state at this moment.’ Since K4, students have waited for this trip more than any other in their lives.
“I can’t wait to soak up the sun on the beach with my friends! We’ve been planning this trip forever, and it feels surreal that it’s finally happening. Picture perfect Instagram moments, all the memories we are going to make, and dancing under the stars,” Senior Amelia Restrepo said.
San Andres, also known as Sanach, is the destination for a five-day senior trip packed with daytime and nighttime gatherings. Each year, grade 12 collaborates with Mayorplus, a company specializing in organizing senior celebrations across Colombia. The trip typically brings around 100 students, accompanied by a staff of seven, including two doctors preventing any type of injury kids can have, two guides, a DJ, and two staff members.
The itinerary has two daily events: a daytime gathering and an event hall celebration in the evenings. Daytime activities consist of beach restaurants, with unique experiences planned for each day. One day might involve a vibrant paint fight, while another features a mini island tour on “planchones” (boats) followed by refreshing water activities in San Andres’ blue waters. Nighttime transforms into social gatherings at event halls reserved only for the group.
“I’m excited, but also a little nervous. It’s our first time traveling this far as a group without adults we have never met, so some responsibility is involved. I hope everyone has their identification and belongings. We don’t want any bad experiences to spoil the fun,” Senior Pablo Arango said.
Even though students will be traveling solo, parents were in charge of stressing the students’ awareness of their responsibilities and safety precautions. All families had to sign the code of conduct and medical records of their students.
“I know the staff was in charge of our safety, but before the trip, I talked with all my friend group and we made a pact to take care of ourselves and others. We have known each other for 14 years and we wouldn’t let anyone get hurt. But I know we are very responsible and we know the consequences, believe we will leave the same as we went,” Senior Tomas Aristizabal said.
Here’s what Seniors think:
What are you most excited about?
“I’m excited for the mix of moments with friends and trying new things like the paint fight and floating club. I’m not sure my body is ready for all the day and night entertainment, but hey, we are seniors,” Senior Pablo Franco said.
“With my friend group, we all bought the same swimsuit and I can’t wait for the paint fight where we all are going to use it. Imagine the photos and moments we are going to create as a grade,” Restrepo said.
“This is going to be an unforgettable trip because we are going to be able to connect with every classmate. Even though we’ve had whole grade events like Halloween and the last first day, we haven’t had these moments to celebrate with everyone and have fun as a grade and not only with our close friend groups,” Arango said.
What does your ideal trip to San Andres look like?
“My ideal trip in San Andres would be non-stop laughter from sunrise to sunset. I’d kick things off with a breakfast gathering, that went straight from the night social occasion, with music and dancing. After getting ready we’d head straight to the day itinerary where I hope everyone has the energy to follow moment after moment,” Franco said.
“My picture of Sanach is endless social events where we pee ourselves from the laughter and remarkable memories. I know I’m going to laugh a lot with my friends, every moment with them will be unforgettable,” Senior Martina Jaramillo said.
“Sanach if I have to describe my dream trip is going to be fun, fun, fun, and more fun. Seniors 2024 is a grade that knows how to have a good time every second, everyone in our group has a special soul that will add great things to the trip,” Restrepo said.
What are some recommendations for the next seniors preparing for the trip?
“As girls, we stress a lot about the outfits we are going to use, but each time we are closer to the trip I find out that everyone won’t remember or pay attention to what you are wearing. Be you and don’t pay attention to those little details,” Jaramillo said.
“Regarding school work, you should advance in the homework you have because we are going without permission from the school. Therefore, 10 unexcused absences will be added to your grades and teachers won’t care if you are going or not, and the same homework will still be added,” Arango said.
Despite the different anxieties and preferences, one thing is clear: Sanach holds big significance for seniors. It is a chance to celebrate their achievements, laugh as much as they can, and create lasting memories with friends. Seniors will soon step into the next chapter of their lives and Sanach is the best way of saying goodbye. As they pack their bags and board the plane; excitement, nervousness, and anticipation consumes them.
