The most important day of a Reach program, second only to arrivals day, is the last day :(
It is when everyone reflects on their time at Reach. The friends made, the learning, the places seen, the new things tried. It is always emotional to leave something behind, but when its sad that means it was always worth experiencing. You could say the experiences in Program 2 have been out of this world…
After classes, where teachers talked to the students about all of the progress they made, everyone was encouraged to make the most of their last few hours in the city. Souvenirs for friends and family were picked up, and students could have one last free time lunch with one another, discussing how they will keep in contact from opposite sides of the world, and what they will miss most about each other! Right before they take-off back home…
After supervisors and senior staff ensured students had packed and had all necessary medication and travel documents, everyone was able to get ready for the departure party: ‘Reach for the Stars’! Supervisors had been hard at work all afternoon, painting signs, putting up balloons and fairy lights, turning one of the lecture theatres we have been using (previously home to classes, pottery, painting, video games), into a galactic universe. Our students have achieved so many incredible things. Leaving home, often far away, to learn and play in new city, surrounded by new people. Evidently, they are always reaching for the next big thing, the next challenge. They have shown that they will do amazing things in the future.
The party was truly another universe. Space-themed songs were played by our DJs. There were snack tables and juices and mocktails on offer: ‘Pineapple Stardust Wave’, ‘Blueberry Nebula’, ‘Mango Solar Flare’. Tarot card readings were set up in one corner, and in another students could try their hand at poker. Away from the dance floor, there were spaces to chill in the warm evening outside, or play board games together in the next room.
As the night drew to a close, everyone was invited back inside the heart of the party for the few last dances, ‘Macarena’, ‘Dancing Queen’, and ‘Viva la Vida’. Supervisors and staff joined in too, after rounds of applause were given by the students for everyone who makes Reach possible each year: porters, catering and cleaning, supervisors, senior staff. A photo slideshow was also played, reminding students of everything they had done across these two weeks, and how far they had come. Each supervisor nominated a student from their corridors for an award to celebrate their hobbies and accomplishments, such as ‘Artistic Talent’, ‘Master Chef’, and ‘Future Olympian’.
Finally, supervisors walked everyone back to their colleges, where corridors and their supervisors got to say their last goodbyes, before a restful sleep in time for departure day, where students will be looked out for until they catch their flights and cars. It has been a wonderful experience at Reach, made possible by every single student and staff member involved, and so with that we must always thank each other!
Over and out…
Be sure to follow us on TikTok and Instagram, both @reachcambridge
