In a delightful and vibrant weekend excursion, Union College’s World Around U (WAU) club orchestrated an apple-picking event that left students brimming with joy and nostalgia. The day began at 10:30 a.m.as students eagerly convened at Reamer Circle. A 20-minute bus ride through the city led them to Riverview Orchards, a tranquil spot nestled on the bank of a serene river. The journey was nothing short of enchanting, setting the perfect tone for the day ahead.

Upon arrival, students were treated to a unique mode of transportation: tractors. These rugged vehicles carried them through the orchards, where the promise of bountiful apple varieties awaited them. Among the many apple varieties, from Macintosh to Gala, the challenge lay in reaching the apples at the top of the trees. Satisfaction replaced the students’ faces as they successfully plucked these elusive fruits after numerous attempts that often involved comical leaps.

After two hours of apple picking, a group of students ventured into the corn maze for a new adventure. First-year Advitya Singh described the experience by saying, “It was as if I had stepped into a movie.” Surrounded by concrete, the refreshing gusts of wind, and the gentle breeze caressing their faces, was a welcome change after spending countless hours on campus. The scent of cider lingering in the atmosphere created a profound connection between the students, and the natural world.

Many couldn’t resist the allure of taking some of the temptingly juicy and crunchy apples home. Talha Khan, who picked the most apples, shared his enthusiasm, stating, “It was really fun, and I took a ton of apples for myself and my roommate.”

As the day wound down, the students gathered outside the Riverview Orchards Store for some delicious donuts and apple cider collectively described by the group as “simply divine.” Thereafter, the students made their way back to campus, and the scent of apples and cider clung to their clothing. The WAU apple-picking event triumphantly brought the students closer to nature, fostering camaraderie among them, and creating indelible memories.

Founded to support international students on campus and introduce them to the college and its surrounding areas, the club’s off-campus excursion ended with everyone departing with their hearts and bags full.