Going to college is a big deal, and deciding where to go is never an easy choice. There are so many factors that play into choosing a school that gives it the weight it deserves. A large component is the idea that where you end up going to school will inevitably shape you into who you are going to be. Something that makes this decision even scarier is the thought that your new home may very well be 3,000 miles away from everything you know. A new community, new lands, new ways of thinking, and as most native Californians may know… New weather!
This past week, this daunting decision became a tad more bite sized for some of our students at A Bridge for Kids. On July 10th, A Bridge for Kids was able to take their students to tour the East Coast! This was the first time we have been able to take our students across the country since the pandemic. Despite the lapse in time, the trip went off without a hitch. The group landed in Boston and spent the first few days getting a feel for the Bostonian lifestyle. While in Boston, the group got the chance to visit Harvard and MIT. On the second day, they packed their bags and headed down south to Brown, then made their way across towards Yale, and stopping for the night in Connecticut. The fourth day was a fan favorite… The bus was Big Apple bound! Arriving at the black gates and red brick roads on 116th and Broadway. You may have guessed it by now – the group took a summer stroll through Columbia University’s surprisingly secluded campus, despite being in the middle of Manhattan. After the tour it was time to play tourist, and everyone headed straight for Times Square for some pizza, halal, free entertainment, and awe. On the next day, the group packed up one last time and drove to Princenton and University of Pennsylvania! Philadelphia isn’t quite NYC, but when they got on campus something just felt so right to the group. Also (controversy warning), a cheesesteak from Pat’s is more than enough reason to stay in Philly.
All in all, A Bridge For Kids really appreciates all of the generous donations and grants we have received to make these life changing experiences possible for our students. The opportunity to visit the East Coast Ivy League schools has opened up the eyes of many students to the possibility of attending the college of their dreams. For more information about our College Campus Tours and how you can support this initiative please contact Grace Jo at Gjo@abridgeforkids.org.