Reflection written by Gabriel Costa '20

Reflecting on the senior retreat, we covered several topics of responsibility. In small groups, our teacher of the group brought us to a deeper look into our own relationships with mentors like mothers, fathers, brothers, and coaches and acknowledged all those who shaped us into the college-ready seniors we are today. We were given multiple breaks in between each discussion to walk around the forest and pond, reflecting on each discussion or to play games around the retreat ground and enjoy the company of our friends.

As seniors, our dynamic has changed with our teachers and those on the retreat with us. Our teachers treat us like the young men they have formed us into by having mature conversations about life and Catholicism. After dinner on Sunday night, the entire group gathered around the fireplace in the lobby of the retreat center with a note card that had written issues that we feel we must endure in order to continue to grow closer to God. We went around the circle and voiced our setback as we threw our papers into the fire one at a time. On Monday morning, we took every issue we talked about and put a positive spin on it. Rather than reflecting on how certain people may have failed me, I was shown how each of those people pushed my life in the right direction.

This retreat impacted my life, guiding me to contemplate every aspect of my life that I otherwise would not have addressed properly. I am grateful for the teachers and mentors involved who provided me with such an enlightening experience. I hope and pray that this retreat will affect every Brother Martin student in every way it has positively affected me and more.

 - Gabriel Costa '20