As the turkey comes out and is finally placed on the dinner table, the Thanksgiving celebration is a time spent with family and friends. As Cavaliers venture into their get-togethers with who they love, the Class of 2027 spent the long nine-day break in different places, across the world. From exploring new attractions of cities and landmarks, freshmen Valentina Amador, Olivia Mañas, Laila Torres and Zelie Dissaux encountered new cultural experiences during the long-anticipated break.
Valentina Amador
Experiencing her first Cavalier Thanksgiving, Amador went to the paradise country of Costa Rica. Nurturing her Central American family, she discovered places such as Poás Volcano and Punta Uvita, in the exhilaration of immersing herself into her culture.
However, stepping into the thrill of riding across a zip-line through the lush forests Costa Rica had to offer, Amador grasped the few moments of nature in an adventurous manner.
“I loved being in Costa Rica. It also made me realize how thankful I am for nature and things like that. Thanksgiving is also very important to me, since I get to spend time with my family and really like to grasp how lucky you are to be here,” freshman Amador said.
Olivia Mañas
Going to Europe to spend her fall experience, Olivia Mañas went to Portugal. As a tourist, she saw the provinces of Lisbon, Porto and Algarve. Visiting the many sites and beaches along the way, Mañas was able to get a taste of Portuguese influence from the Livraria Lleo to the statue of “São Gonçalo de Lagos.”
Being Portuguese herself, Mañas was excited to travel to the Mediterranean climate country for the first time. Since Thanksgiving is all about family, Mañas devoted herself to the beauty of the country of her descendants.
“I thought everything was very beautiful, and I enjoyed it very much. I feel like I was able to capture what I really like about Thanksgiving, such as being with friends and family. As I get to look at these sites, I was also able to spend it with the people that I love, and it was very enjoyable,” freshman Mañas said.
Laila Torres
Spending her “White Thanksgiving,” Torres traveled to the mountainous state in Colorado. Getting a glimpse of snow for the first time, Torres took it upon herself to try skiing. Although she has never tried snow striding before, as anticipation looked forward, the rush and excitement to travel the slopes increased.
Other than skiing, spending time with family was valuable to her. Whether it was talking to her mother or doing activities with her relatives, Torres spent her time with her cherished ones.
“I am so very thankful that I was able to see snow for the first time and really grasp how beautiful it is. I think Thanksgiving is important since I can spend it with my loved ones and look into who I am grateful for in my life,” freshman Torres said.
Zelie Dissaux
Taking an adventure into the Southwest region of the U.S., Dissaux visited the states of Arizona and Nevada to explore the semi-arid climate. Wanting to have this road trip around these states for a long time, Dissaux and her family thought it was a perfect way to spend their holiday. Visiting the Arizonian landmarks of the Grand, Antelope and Horseshoe Canyons, she was also able to stop by the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” Las Vegas, Nev.
Entering the city for the first time, Dissaux saw many unique attractions such as the Madame Tussauds and Titanic Museums alongside “The Sphere”. Even though Dissaux kept her travel group small with just both of her parents, she would not have it any another way.
“I love spending time with my family, since we have a good time together and share blessings. It is also an amazing time to be grateful for everything,” freshman Dissaux said.
Sharing their wonderful trips with their loved ones, the four freshmen were able to make their break worthwhile. Spending quality time, trying new things and getting out of their comfort zone, the memories of excitement were cherished. With every Cavalier returning on Nov. 27, they will reminisce on memories and wait for the upcoming holiday break.
