Ask the Experts: Reasons to Attend Alumni Reunion

By Rachel White, Assistant Manager, Alumni

Every year, the Alumni Department has the pleasure of planning the Alumni Reunion.  It’s something I look forward to, as it provides our alumni and staff with the opportunity to reconnect with each other. Reunion is a great way to expand your network and forge meaningful connections with like-minded people.

Your time at Mountainside was unique to you along with the people who were by your side while you started your journey.  It was here at Mountainside where you shared new experiences together, grew together, and took the first steps on your recovery journey together. After leaving treatment, some of you are scattered across the country and rely on text, zoom meetings, or social media to communicate. Reunion is the perfect place to come together and see friends face to face – share milestones and enjoy each other’s company at the place where it all began.

Reunion is also a time to share the Mountainside experience with a loved one. Let them experience some of the activities that helped transform your life and introduce them to some of the influential staff that helped you along your journey. We have planned, along with the Wellness team, an exciting day of activities, holistic exercises, speakers & more!

For many, returning to campus can be very cathartic –  a time to reflect, renew and rejoice through a completely sober perspective. You can focus on where you are in the present by creating a space to learn, grow, and enjoy your sobriety. Coming back as an alumni and feeling connected to others and to Mountainside is extremely important for you and your recovery journey.

And for those who are worried about not knowing anyone, or that their friends aren’t attending – Many newcomers come to Reunion every year and have made “new” friends and connections with other alumni. It comes down to the common experience we all shared and coming back home – there’s nothing like it!

The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and even better to come back – so we welcome you all back home this September and can’t wait to see you!