A Bridge for Kids: East Coast College Tour 2024
This summer, A Bridge for Kids embarked on a transformative journey with six ambitious students on an East Coast College Tour. Over five days, they visited seven prestigious universities, traversing from the historic grounds of Harvard and MIT to the vibrant campus of NYU, and finally to the ivy-covered halls of Princeton and Penn. The trip was filled with excitement, challenges, and unforgettable experiences that left a lasting impact on these young scholars.
Day 1: Travel Day
The adventure began with a day of travel, filled with anticipation and excitement. The students were eager to explore the campuses that they had only read about or seen in movies.
Day 2: Harvard and MIT
The first official day of the tour took the group to the iconic campuses of Harvard and MIT. Despite the warm weather, the students were captivated by the history and architecture of these world-renowned institutions. Harvard's brick buildings and rich traditions impressed many, though some found the presentation a bit underwhelming. MIT, on the other hand, surprised the students with its vibrant interior spaces, particularly the Ray and Maria Stata Center, which contrasted starkly with its plain exterior. The highlight of the day was a scavenger hunt at MIT, where the students' competitive spirits shone through, even if they didn’t win.
One student reflected, "MIT impressed me more than Harvard because of its architecture and focus on STEM. I felt like I learned more by exploring on my own rather than following a tour guide."
Day 3: Brown and Yale
The group continued their tour with visits to Brown University and Yale. Brown's beautiful campus and unique academic freedom appealed to many, though some were put off by the lack of air conditioning in the dorms. Yale's campus, with its mix of Gothic, modern, and Doric architecture, was a hit, and the small class sizes in engineering were particularly appealing.
One student shared, "I was most surprised by Yale. The campus was gorgeous, and I could imagine myself living there. Brown was beautiful too, but it didn't have the engineering focus I was looking for."
After their college tours, the group arrived in New York City, ready to explore the bustling metropolis.
Day 4: NYU and NYC
Day 4 was all about NYU and the Big Apple. With 23,125 steps logged, the students experienced firsthand what it’s like to be a part of a university integrated into one of the world's most vibrant cities. The day was scorching, with NYU moving its tours indoors, but that didn’t dampen the spirits of the group. The students enjoyed sightseeing and even a ferry ride to see the Statue of Liberty.
One student who was initially skeptical about NYU’s urban campus was pleasantly surprised. "At first, I thought NYU would be too chaotic for me, but after seeing it in person, I started to get the appeal. The campus is so unique, and I loved that it's integrated into the city."
Day 5: Princeton and Penn
The final day took the students to Princeton and Penn before they headed home. Princeton's picturesque campus and supportive atmosphere left a positive impression, with many students appreciating the air-conditioned dorms and strong engineering program. However, the heat of the day affected their experience at Penn, where an indoor tour left some students feeling disconnected from the campus.
One student reflected, "Princeton's landscape and neighborhood were stunning, and I enjoyed the atmosphere. Penn didn't stand out to me as much, but I did appreciate the student panel and their insights."
Reflections and Gratitude
As the trip came to an end, the students had the chance to reflect on their experiences. They expressed gratitude for the opportunity to visit these prestigious institutions, an experience that would not have been possible without the generous support of A Bridge for Kids sponsors and donors. These five days provided invaluable insights into college life on the East Coast, helping these students envision their futures and make more informed decisions about their college applications.
In the words of one student, "Overall, I was very pleased with the trip as I was able to see colleges which otherwise I would not have had many opportunities to go to, while learning important information which will help determine my college journey."
This East Coast College Tour was more than just a series of campus visits - it was a journey of discovery, growth, and inspiration. The memories and lessons from this trip will undoubtedly stay with these students as they continue to pursue their dreams.