THE ROAD OFTEN TAKEN art and article by Ava Richards
Graduation. It’s so close that seniors can almost feel it: the newfound freedom, the time for commemoration, but most importantly, the chance to look towards the future. Despite the hardships that many have faced during the pandemic, seniors are finding highlights in their final year and celebrating their accomplishments. For many, this means ending an educational era with a senior trip.
Western Roadtrip Eight states. Two weeks. Only days after graduation, Lauren Chong and Katrina Sharonin will embark on a road trip through California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Nevada, for their wondrous sights and cities. “It’s basically a mini western trip. We wanted to enjoy the end of senior year by seeing some other features of the west coast and its surrounding areas since there’s so much out there besides California,” Sharonin said. Bored of their static life at home during distance learning, the pair set their hearts on going out of their comfort zones and experiencing something new. “This trip represents a stepping stone to the next part of our life with college,” Chong said. “We’ve never been on a road trip alone,
Katrina and Lauren
separate ways after the trip is over, both are excited to create lasting memories and fuel their advenand it’s a lot of responsibility to turous spirits. plan and book everything. It’s a “The spontaneity of the trip personal journey for us to grow brought us to do this together,” and learn about ourselves.” Sharonin said. “We aren’t necesChong and Sharonin intend sarily close friends and may not to spend most of their time out talk for another 10 years after this in nature and bonding over the trip, but it’s something random we stories they will collect. They want will always share.” to let go of the past and learn to appreciate life around them beOregon Exploration fore leaving for college. Continuously drawn to the ma“I managed everything so jestic mountains, Sydney Schortclosely and thoroughly in high gen aims to tour all the beauty school. But for this trip, I’m that Oregon has to offer. From allowing myself not to have any late July to early August, she and expectations so I can truly live her boyfriend plan to traverse arin the moment and experience it eas like Eugene and Bend as well fully,” Chong said. as the state’s national parks. Though they will likely go their “I’ve always been attracted to
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