By: Erica Lampert ~Guest Writer~

The Xavier’s Dorothy Day Center for Faith and Justice (CFJ) hosted its annual Get Away retreat for first-year students.

This CFJ event has been ongoing for 20 years and continues to have high attendance from first-year students.

The Get Away experience was developed in the 1990s in order to give first-year students a break after their first month at Xavier.

“Students should go so that they have a breather within the busyness of the first month of school,” CFJ Director Greg Carpinello said.

Past attendees believe that every student should get involved with this trip because it allows them to get to know people more deeply and finally gain a sense of belonging at Xavier.

“My favorite part of the trip was the small group activities,” first-year Sarah Barbaro said. “In just 24 hours, I found a new family who I know will be with me forever.”

Students also listened to speeches from upperclassmen about how they have adjusted to college life and their advice on how to make the transition into college smoother.

“Any student feeling lost and overwhelmed in the confusion of starting college should attend Get Away,” Barbaro said.

The experience also offers time for self-reflection and group discussions.
“Students get a chance to step back and think about how their time at Xavier is going so far and to set goals for their coming year,” Carpinello said.