Work Retreat 2024
It all started with a simple idea in the Fall of 2023: What if I planned my work’s first-ever retreat? I pitched the concept to my boss, and what began as a small proposal quickly became a year-long planning process. I had to make some tough decisions, including cuts to my department to ensure we had enough budget to make the retreat possible. From selecting workshops to organizing meals and finding accommodations, every detail was carefully thought through.
Fast-forward six months, and we hit a major roadblock: the cabin we needed didn’t accept reservations until two months before the retreat. At this point, we had to ask ourselves: Would the retreat even happen? Itamble—planning seemed like a g everything out only to potentially miss out on securing the location.
During this time, I dove into networking, connecting with professionals and departments across campus to explore every possible solution. I worked tirelessly to ensure all the necessary forms, waivers, and paperwork were for attendees. After weeks of uncertainty, we finally secured the cabin—only to face yet another challenge: transportation.
A campus-approved bus service was suddenly unavailable due to a last-minute career field trip to Utah. We found ourselves stranded two days before departure with no way to get to the cabin, which was an hour away. After a series of stressful phone calls and extensive coordination, I was able to arrange van transportation at the last minute.
Once we arrived at the site, we unpacked and dove right into the first workshop. I designed a detailed poster outlining the schedule, including workshops, meals, and breaks, to keep everyone on track.
The highlight of the retreat for me was leading the final workshop, which focused on creativity, mindfulness, and content creation. I had delegated filming tasks to my team ahead of time to create engaging reels, then we all gathered for a nature walk to discuss how to harness creativity in the workplace. It was an unforgettable experience, not only for the participants but for me personally, as I reflected on the hard work and persistence that made the retreat a reality.
