Viveca Stucke ’26
Chief Features Editor
One of Holy Cross’ beloved unwritten traditions is the senior trip to Nashville during Fall Break, where a large portion of the senior class gathers in Music City for a few days of fun, camaraderie, and celebration. The trip offers students a chance to connect beyond the boundaries of campus life, free from classes, clubs, and coursework, while enjoying the energy, music, and excitement of a new city. As seniors face the pressures of graduate school applications, job searches, and the looming reality of graduation, this shared escape becomes a needed breath of fresh air.
Senior year of college is inevitably one of the most emotionally demanding times of early adulthood. Not only are students preparing for their “real adult” lives, but they are also navigating a delicate balancing act on campus, giving one final push for their GPA, dedicating time and energy to extracurriculars, and cherishing every social moment before graduation. A trip like Nashville holds incredible significance because it allows for an element of joy and fun to be mixed in beyond the bubble of academic, professional, and emotional stress. Sophia Mariani ‘26 echoed this sentiment, sharing, “My trip to Nashville with my friends was a great way to celebrate the start of our last year at HC. Being seniors, there is a lot of pressure to ‘soak it all in’ and be as present as possible, and I think a trip like this really reminded me to enjoy every moment with the people around me.” As graduation rapidly approaches, many will inevitably drift away from the constant presence, connection, and community that define our time at Holy Cross. It’s moments like these that remind us to hold onto that sense of community for as long as we can before walking across the stage in May. (212 days from the time of me writing this, by the way….)
Nashville proved to be the perfect setting for this experience, as there is something to appreciate on every corner of the city, especially along the vibrant stretch of Broadway Street. Mariani emphasized this, sharing that “Nashville was an awesome city to explore and it felt so lively hearing live country music on nearly every corner of the city.” The constant tune of live bands in every venue created an atmosphere that drew visitors in, allowing them to connect more deeply with the city through a shared love of music. Meredith McDonough ‘26 also reflected on the many ways to enjoy Nashville beyond Broadway Street, discussing that “My favorite memory of the trip was doing the Nashville Pedal Tavern with 13 other friends! It was a blast to cruise around Nashville in such an uplifting and unique way. If you want to venture outside of Broadway, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame (especially the Dolly Parton exhibit)!” For many Holy Cross students, studying in New England rarely offers the chance to experience this kind of distinctly Southern culture. The Nashville trip became more than just a getaway as it offered an immersive look into a different culture that was full of warmth, music, and connection.
Personally, I can’t recommend a trip to Nashville enough, whether during your senior year or entirely outside the context of Holy Cross. No matter your interests or energy levels, the city offers an endless array of opportunities and experiences for people of all ages. Visiting during my senior year was an incredibly formative experience. Sharing my visit with nine of my friends brought us closer together and reminded us of the simple joy of being young and letting go of the stress of future responsibilities, as well as embracing the present moment with one another and the world around us.
Featured image courtesy of Viveca Stucke ’26
Copy Edited by Sophia Mariani ’26
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