This Summer Retreat Helped Shape Your Sheridan Life (And Mine)

by: Piya Priyanka Moraes

Greetings, Bruins! I'm Piya, your dedicated Governance Co-Ordinator at the SSU. I'm also a Business Finance student at Sheridan College. You might have already come across me during your time at the HMC campus or seen me on SSU's social media platforms. Today, I am thrilled to share my incredible experience at the SSU retreat with all of you.

The SSU retreat took place at Olympia Sports Camp, nestled in scenic Huntsville, Ontario. It was an entirely new experience for me, as it marked my first venture to a destination that felt "far" within Canada. When I initially learned about the trip, I had no idea what to anticipate. The thought of joining an incredible group of individuals, each with their unique qualities, was both exciting and nerve-wracking to me.

On Day 1 of our retreat, our journey commenced with a brief stop at a fantastic burger joint. I must say, the flavours were absolutely divine, making it difficult for me to put into words just how delicious it was. Upon arriving at the camp, cabins were assigned to us and we unpacked and prepared for the day ahead. We had some leisure time before the official activities began, so a few of us decided to play volleyball. It was a joyous and fun-filled game. Later, we divided into two groups, with Group 1 taking on the challenge of rock climbing and Group 2 conquering the thrilling giant swing. While I lacked the courage to scale the rocks, I eagerly embraced the giant swing and experienced an extreme adventure like never before.

Day 2 was dedicated to SSU-related activities. Danny and the team assigned us topics for our icebreaker activities, and we also had the opportunity to list our goals for the year. The SSU conducted short interviews, posing insightful questions that you'll soon see on our media channels. Additionally, our executive team presented our goals to everyone, and with the help of Danny and the team we visualized our aspirations and positions.

On Day 3, we engaged in a thrilling team activity: zip-lining. It was an amazing experience that further strengthened our bond as a team. I extend a huge thank you to Danny (SSU Events and Programming Director) and the entire team for organizing an event that was not only informative but also incredibly fun. Each evening, we gathered around the campfire and engaged in skit nights that brought us closer together, resembling a tight-knit family. We were also fortunate to have Poppi, who is an exceptional photographer, capturing stunning moments throughout the trip.

The Olympia staff displayed incredible kindness and support throughout our stay. They went above and beyond to ensure our comfort and enjoyment. And let's not forget about the mouthwatering food! We made sure the chef knew just how much we appreciated their culinary skills. Along with a make-your-own salad, every meal was something delicious, like beef pasta, all-Canadian breakfast (sausages, hash browns, egg), pot pie, and rice with chicken steak.

In summary, this trip was one of the best I've ever experienced, along with the most incredible people by my side. The memories we created and the bonds we formed will forever hold a special place in my heart.

We believe that the best #SheridanLife is one where students have access to opportunities, experiences and tools that help them grow and serve their fellow students.

That’s why the Sheridan Student Union is committed to offering our student leaders career development opportunities and experiences that help them grow and serve the needs of our students. To read more about how your student leaders are working together to advocate for the best #SheridanLife, visit thessu.ca/sheridanlife