Celebrations are a M.U.S.T.!

“M.U.S.T. has taught me so much and given me so many new experiences. It’s surrounded me with people who look like me and given me confidence in who I am.” ~ Loren Lewis, Mentee Graduate

Work hard, play hard! In the three years since its inception, the Graduation Getaway has quickly become one of the highlights of M.U.S.T. programming and a sought-after incentive for Mentees approaching the finale of their high school tenure. Each year when the pomp and circumstance of graduation ceremonies have concluded and the caps and gowns have been retired, the senior cohort gathers for one last group event, the outing of all outings – a trip to Southern California. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate their great accomplishment with the friends they have made at M.U.S.T. and the leadership team who has coached and supported them for the past four years.

The excitement began early in the trip this year as one of the Mentees, a first-time airplane passenger, clenched his seat in fear as the flight experienced some turbulence. Expectedly, the other Mentees poked some lighthearted fun, but the support and words of encouragement they gave him also helped him through his nervousness, and soon the entire group was laughing at the experience in a heartwarming show of M.U.S.T. brotherhood. Once safely on the ground in L.A., the fun really began. In between all the fun of the 3-day trip — from checking out the sights and sounds of Venice Beach, to the Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, to a day spent at Universal Studios — the group took time to reflect on their past, reminisce about their experience being a M.U.S.T. Mentee, and discuss their plans for their futures. They talked about the impact having a Mentor had had on their lives as they navigated adolescence and high school, and they all shared their hopes for their futures, their college plans, and the careers they look forward to.

In a moment of gratitude amidst all the celebration, 2 Mentees decided to FaceTime the teacher who introduced them to the M.U.S.T. community and thank her in a truly touching display of graciousness.

As they headed home, the group contemplated the bittersweet end of the unforgettable journey they had embarked on as M.U.S.T. Mentees, proud of who they had become and what they had achieved, excited and ready to move forward into adulthood to continue on their authentic paths in life.