Tour 2025 What a wild ride! From a 10-hour-long bus ride to soaking in the sun at the beach to an unforgettable turn of events, to Broadway, and finally: to the happiest place on earth! Granger Highs’ performing arts department made this trip one for the books. A bus full of kids can be quite crazy, laughing, crying, gossiping, and if you’re lucky, you may get a few minutes of sleep. On the bright side, driving through the red rock reveals a beautiful view. Personally, it’s one of my favorite parts of the trip. The travel aspect touches my soul in a way that Utah simply cannot; the fresh air clearing my mind and the hot California sun warming my heart is truly an unbeatable feeling.

 I made memories on that bus that I will never forget. People take the long drive for granted, but in my opinion, taking in the view and soaking up the hours with my friends is so important. Don’t let the hours go to waste, even if you’re just stuck on a bus. I’m proud to say that the people I hold close made the best of every moment, even when it wasn’t the most ideal situation. For example, after a long and lovely beach day where we took in the ocean view and ate lunch on the beautiful pier, we all got back on the bus exhausted but ready to go to Hollywood Blvd. When suddenly, our two buses crashed into each other! Thankfully everybody was OK. Our trip had just taken an unexpected turn, but our amazing parent chaperones and teachers jumped in to save the day. Everyone was shaken up and scared to see how the rest of the trip would go, this could delay us to not make it to the show, or even worse what if we had to go home. We all got back to the hotel safely, and Mr. Adams, an assistant principal and theatre fan, was there to greet us with kindness and comfort. As we walked in, we were all still in a surreal state. 

My friends and I walked in and noticed that the hot tub was open and — conveniently — we were all still in our swimsuits. So since we had no idea how long we would have to wait to leave for the show we all looked at each other and collectively decided to hurry to the hot tub to decompress from that crazy experience. We took a chance and enjoyed each other’s company in the warmth of the California sun. 

If Timpson or Hunt is reading this, I promise it was only for a little bit.

Finally, we got the text message to be down in 30 minutes ready for Broadway, so my roommate and I set up the vibes for success. We turned on some music, opened the window for the beautiful palm tree view, revealed our dresses for the night and helped each other get ready. Nothing compares to girls in their element getting ready with each other — the laughs and the ‘Will you zip me up?’ and the compliments and the ‘Can I borrow this?” followed by the undeniable “Of course!” Those are the kinds of memories I will always cherish. Don’t forget the little things, too.

Broadway is an unforgettable experience within itself, but seeing “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” was such an unreal and a once-in-a-lifetime experience for sure. Our whole group was stunned by the magic the actors and technicians brought to the stage, and they left us filled with wonder and passion for the show. Just walking down Hollywood Boulevard was absolutely amazing! Seeing all the billboards and artistic people was something you’d never find in Utah. Amoeba Records is also one of my favorite parts about this trip, it’s a rad record store across from the Pantages Theatre. If I’m being honest, I spent my whole dinner break there exploring. I couldn’t help it! You can get so lost so easily because of how many records and pins and stickers they have. I mean come on, how could I resist.

For the end of the trip, some might say the best part. We drove into Disneyland! Everyone was so eager to visit, including the adults. The childlike magical feeling you get when you walk through those gates is unlike anything else. It takes all the stress of being a senior right off your shoulders, and you just get to be your true genuine self with the people you love. 

I truly could not have asked for a better group. These are my people. Getting to go on this trip is truly such a wonderful opportunity. I could go on and on about Disneyland but that’s not the point. Stay in the moment! Just because you’re a senior or a teenager does not mean you don’t get to enjoy life with childlike wonder. Soak up each day with the people that you love. We are all genuinely lucky to get to feel love and happiness and passion and even sadness. Life is what you make it, so make it yours.