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.

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,

and it’s a lot of responsibility to plan and book everything. It’s a personal journey for us to grow and learn about ourselves.”

Chong and Sharonin intend to spend most of their time out in nature and bonding over the stories they will collect. They want to let go of the past and learn to appreciate life around them before leaving for college.

“I managed everything so closely and thoroughly in high school. But for this trip, I’m allowing myself not to have any expectations so I can truly live in the moment and experience it fully,” Chong said.

Though they will likely go their separate ways after the trip is over, both are excited to create lasting memories and fuel their adventurous spirits.

Continuously drawn to the majestic mountains, Sydney Schortgen aims to tour all the beauty that Oregon has to offer. From late July to early August, she and her boyfriend plan to traverse areas like Eugene and Bend as well as the state’s national parks.

“I’ve always been attracted to

going to Oregon because of the wildlife and the amazing heights, views, and waterfalls,” Schortgen said. “It just seems so beautiful, and I’m really excited just to explore more than anything.”

The pair is looking forward to the many hiking trails and campsites they will encounter throughout the journey. Plans are also underway to prospect her boyfriend’s future college town and its surrounding areas.

While Schortgen is glad to be finishing this chapter of her life, she’s nervous about what the future holds after spending over the past year entirely online.

“Honestly, I’m overwhelmed that we’re graduating. This year went by so fast, and it was so different than anything we’ve ever had before. I feel worried that when I go to college, I’ll be going in blind,” Schortgen said.

However, she believes that this trip will help ease her stresses and get her back into a better routine before starting community college in the fall.

While others plan on venturing out into new territory, Chris Wong will be going on vacation to visit the familiar. He and his two companions, Calvin Hunter and Ethan Chan, will be flying to Seattle, Washington, in early July to meet up with an old friend for some fun.

Despite the pandemic’s impending threat to travel, Wong and his friends have adapted their celebratory plans to global circumstances.

“We originally planned to go to Asia since I wanted to see something new and explore a big city. But because of the pandemic, we decided that Seattle was the next best thing,” Wong said.

All in all, Wong plans on using this trip to gain confidence and independence and is eager to work through the drastic changes he will face come the fall.