Caiden’s Corner | Leaving for College

Well, it’s that time again! As the the wind picks up and the leaves begin to brown, millions of American students are returning to or entering college. Just over one year ago, I packed up my life and moved from Houston to Philadelphia to attend the University of Pennsylvania. It feels like yesterday — and somehow also 10 years ago — that I moved into my dorm and began taking college-level courses. In the midst of all the chaos, I wondered what would change at home.

I recently found an article, “Now that my kids are off to college, what’s this empty nester dad to do?” for an exciting project we’re working on here at PhillyGoes2College, and it got me thinking about my family and home. I will admit, it’s not easy to leave home, whether you’re moving 15 minutes away or 15 hours away. It’s a large stepping stone in your life, but that fear and worry are nothing compared to the life you can build for yourself once you step out of your comfort zone. Whether you’re going to college, trade school, technical school, or straight to the workforce, I urge you to think of it like this: your home, and the people there, will be waiting for you when you get back.

That’s not to say things won’t change. They most certainly will change, but so will you. When you give yourself the grace to find yourself beyond the scope of your current belief system, you will spread your wings and fly — as cliché as it sounds.

At PhillyGoes2College, we want to support you in your college transition — from applying to college to paying for it to leaving home for the first time. Education is important because it gives your mind freedom. Looks and youth will undeniably fade, but no one can take your education from you.

I urge you to take advantage of the resources we provide you. $100 million in scholarship money goes unclaimed each year, and we hope to provide you with access to that money. You’re in the right spot. Get started now!

As always, best of luck,
Caiden