‘Aruba, Jamaica, oh I wanna take ya’ …on the senior class trip

Jamila Young – Arts & Entertainment Editor

As the Fall 2013 semester starts to come to an end, the Spring 2014 semester is soon to begin. Students of the senior class can now pay to go on the senior class trip, which is an annual event for seniors. This year the trip will be to Aruba, from May 10-14. This was decided on by the Senior Class Executive Board and staff at the beginning of the semester.

“We wanted to get started earlier rather than later,” said Chelsea Schillizzi, President of the Senior Class.

The board consists of President, Chelsea Schillizzi, Vice President Chris Hazelton, Secretary Eric Rothbart, and Bursar Brittany Niemczyk.

“We are in charge of all events, fundraisers, programs, trips, etc. for the senior class of 2014,” said Schillizzi.

The price of the trip is $725, and is only payable by hoot loot. There is a payment plan available where students make three payments of $200, and one payment of $125. The deadline to pay for the trip is February 21. The price includes the flight, the hotel, and transportation to and from the hotel. Students will leave from Southern to Bradley International Airport, and then head to Aruba. For students who choose to go, they should pay as soon as possible because spaces are limited.

“It’s first come first serve,” said Schillizzi.

Students shouldn’t expect to be traveling on a plane with just students, there will be three advisors accompanying them on the trip, but they will still have their freedom.

“It’s not like it’s going to be parenting,” said Schillizzi.

As the Senior Class President, you can expect Schillizzi to be in attendance.

“I’m looking forward to just having that time to relax, lay on a beach, soak in the sun and be stress free for a couple of days.”

This isn’t Schillizzi’s first time out of the country either.

“The last time I was out of the country was last semester when I studied abroad in Spain,” said Schillizzi. I traveled a lot while I was there; France, all over Spain, Italy, England, Mallorca, Ibiza, Portugal, Africa and more!

Senior sports management major, Jim ‘Jimbo’ Zarifis is going on the trip. He said he’s looking forward to hanging out with his friends and living life to the fullest when he gets there.

“Going with your friends who you started college with, on a vacation to a tropical island that is one of the prettiest places in the world will be amazing,” said Zarifis.

Zarifis recalled the best trip he’s ever been on, which was three summers ago, and again two summers ago, when he and his friends went camping at Hammonasset State Park.

“We went to the beach, downtown, and told stories and chilled around the fire,” said Zarifis. “We were there just ‘cus we all wanted to hang out somewhere over the summer.”

Zarifis said his parents are paying for him to go on the trip.

“I am getting the money from my parents as my graduation present,” said Zarifis.

Zarifis said if he could choose where the senior trip would be, he would’ve also chosen Aruba, or Cancun.

Although Michelle Williams is a senior, she will not be going on the trip.

“It’s too expensive,” said WIlliams. “The few friends I have that are seniors can’t afford it, or aren’t interested in going.”

Money was a factor in Williams’ decision, but she had thought about going.

“When I first heard about it I thought it would be cool to go with my closest friends, who aren’t students at Southern,” said Williams. “If the trip cost less money and I could invite a guest, I would’ve considered it.”