Lindsey Bell Editor in Chief   It’s crazy how much can happen in just 24 hours. I would have never believed it, if I hadn’t experienced it for myself. Although most of us had a vague idea about what the senior retreat meant—running, talking, laughing, and crying—I don’t think any of us expected as much dancing. Maybe I was the only cynic out there, but I didn’t think that could be our grade. I didn’t think we needed it really, or even if we did, it wouldn’t work. There wasn’t necessarily animosity between anyone, but it never felt like we were a single class before. The only thing we shared was the daunting realization that in just a few short months, we would soon be graduating Latin. It seemed that we were too focused on the college process, or too busy with school, and life in general to recognize this common ground. That all changed at Techny Towers, the fine establishment we resided at for those faithful twenty-four hours. As cliché as it might sound, it’s true. I can’t totally put into words what happened or exactly what changed. It’s one of those “you have to be there” situations. Maybe it’s just the shared experience. Maybe it’s that now we can finally feel each other supporting one another. Whatever it was, it took us to the next level. You can see it in the hallways, in the cafeteria, and even at the hand dryers in the bathroom—it’s genuine.  We don’t have false expectations that all of a sudden we are all going to be best friends, but we do have the expectation that we are going to have each other’s back (whether that means coming to a volleyball game to cheer on a couple seniors or helping someone find their missing jewelry box). I don’t want to give any more details away, because I think every person should have the experience of not knowing what’s going to come and just going with it—letting themselves be open to ideas and people that they otherwise wouldn’t be open to.  So if I can give any advice to the freshmen, sophomores, or juniors, it’s this: Don’t be afraid to just let go. Let go of preexisting labels. Let go of the drama that happened in 8^th grade. Let go of set-in-stone friend groups. Let go of any preconceived notions about what high school is supposed to be like, or what you feel like you have to be like. Most of all let go of the stress. Enjoy yourself, and just dance.]]>