LAST YEAR'S PARTICIPANTS SAY:

"Destination Unknown helped me have more confidence in the decisions that I wanted to make.  It's a good experience to either confirm or reconfirm whatever one wants to do."-Kandis Lawrence, '09

"The difference that Destination Unknown made in my life was not to decide some specialization for me, but to help me understand how I could begin (through self-reflection, increased awareness of my opportunities and some planning) to direct my life in a way that I could start to make those life long decisions.  I think, through this new understanding, the quality of my experience and involvement in the University of Richmond community has been much richer in my second year than in my first."-Luke Victor, '09

"Freshman year is one's initial exposure to new ideas and testing ways in which our life at home conditioned our beliefs about life, education, careers, religion, etc.  It can be overwhelming and your mind can be jumbled in thought.  Destination Unknown is a unique opportunity to begin to untangle the confusion.  A weekend of rest, meditation and community allows one to recharge your battery and feel ready to immerse into second year with a clear vision."-Julie Kokemor, '09

"I pretty much went to Destination Unknown on a complete whim.  I knew a friend that was considering it...so I expected to hang out with one friend throughout the entire experience, but as it turns out, I left with twelve!  To my surprise and utter delight, Destination Unknown turned out to be so much more than I expected.  It was a great opportunity to have in-depth conversations about college life, in general.  I loved being able to completely open up to a new and random group of sophomores that had shared many of my experiences-good and bad-throughout freshman year."-Allison Rosser, '09

"By the time many students arrive at UR, they have been subjected to years of pressure to decide on a career, often with little or no reference to individual talent and interest.  Other students arrive without having had that pressure, but they have no idea what they want to study much less do after graduation.  Destination Unknown is a practical, reflection-oriented retreat designed to help students clarify educational and career choices and to encourage them to sort through the web of demands and expectations around them to discover their own strand of genius and enthusiasm."-Professor Lee Carleton, Writing Center/English Department

Faculty/staff participants include:

• Kathy Carmody, Registrar's Office
• Lee Carleton, English/Writing Center
• Katybeth Dreisbach, Career Development Center
• Kate O'Dwyer-Randall, Chaplaincy
• Shawn Morrison, Advancement
• Steve Wilborn, Admissions

An outline of the weekend:

• Friday evening:  Meet new people, start making new friends, get a head start on your vital second year!
• Saturday morning:  Talk with Richmond faculty and staff about their life experiences, what they majored in, and how they made important decisions in their lives.
• Saturday afternoon:  Visit a beautiful park in the middle of Richmond
• Saturday evening:  Take an assessment to help you think about your strengths and how they relate to majors and careers.
• Sunday morning:  Develop an action plan for your time at Richmond and beyond!

Submit the Application Form by August 1st. Space is limited - first come, first serve! Contact Katybeth Dreisbach at 804-289-8142 or kdreisba@richmond.edu with any questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

WHY WOULD I COME?
Come if you have any of these questions. Come if you want to turn over a new leaf for your second year. Come if you want to meet new people.  Come if you are still looking for your place of belonging at Richmond.  Come if you want to have a great weekend!

CAN I BRING A RICHMOND FRIEND IN THE CLASS OF 2010?
Absolutely! As long as you both submit the form while there are spaces left, you can spend a great weekend together.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
Bring casual clothing and a readiness for good conversation and fun! Optional suggestions: journal and camera.

WHAT IS RICHMOND HILL?
Located on the crest of Church Hill, the city's highest point, Richmond Hill offers an island of peace and quiet in the heart of downtown Richmond.  We have chosen this facility because it is off-campus, but still close by; it is serene with beautiful gardens; and it is affordable, allowing us to offer you this weekend free.

I SAW THE CHAPLAINCY IS PART OF THIS-- IS IT RELIGIOUS?
No. This is open to any student, whether they are of a religious background or none at all.

WHAT WILL I TAKE AWAY FROM THIS?
You will have the opportunity to take away new relationships-- friendships, mentors, and role models. You will have the opportunity to reflect on your direction for life, at Richmond and beyond. You will have the opportunity to discover a deeper understanding of who you are and what is important to you.