On October 3rd, 37 seniors used their senior skip day to travel together to the University of Virginia.They offered more than just a college tour, it gave them an opportunity to picture their futures and gain understanding of what college life truly looks like. 

The trip was organized by Bruno Yupanqui and chaperoned by Laura Hoyler, Elisa Rivera, and Slaudeh Morrison. This opportunity invited students to visit one of Virginia’s most respected universities. Throughout the day students toured campus, saw dorms from when the university had first opened, visited the iconic rotunda and even had lunch in the dining hall, all while experiencing the feel of what it truly feels like to be a Cavalier. 

Yupanqui, who had gotten help from his administrative team to organize the trip, said he aimed to “give seniors a structured opportunity to be able to get to an actual college”, as well as hoping students would see themselves in the campuses of these colleges.

Hoyler said, “It [college field trips] helps students prepare for college because we aren’t just seeing certain buildings on the campus. We’re walking the campus that lets you understand what campus it’s not like, depending where you have classes, just in different hallways. Now you have to track across campus and also plan out your day too.” 

Senior Belen Tellez said, “The UVA trip made me feel more confident about applying to UVA. Seeing the campus made me be more interested in the school. Being able to have the ‘student experience’, eating lunch at the dining hall, for example, made me better imagine myself at UVA.”

Hoyler stated, “If kids haven’t been on one at some point, go, definitely. Especially on a day like this, where you’re not missing class, even if it’s not a school you’re thinking of going to. I think it’s still important to see campus life well.”