On June 20 at the Liacouris Center on the campus of Temple University, the Cherry Hill East Class of 2025 celebrated as they turned their tassels and flung their caps into the air. For many, this marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. With college approaching in a few short months, these graduates would need to write the next chapter on their own. Cherry Hill East graduates would have a new puzzle to solve. Awaiting these students is a world full of chances, opportunities and more responsibility than ever before.
Heading away from home is like a blank canvas– there is endless potential to create a fresh, unique image. From the East classrooms to university lecture halls, hometown friends to unfamiliar classmates, and from bedrooms to dorm rooms. Change is in the air.
Graduate Mia McShane (’25) heads off to Saint Joseph’s University later this week. McShane said, “College is such a different world than high school.” She said that in high school, “when you are told to do something, you do it.” But, in college, the big change is being in charge of your own schedule, learning, and life overall.
Although college is often perceived as an eye opening experience where you have bundles of fun, amidst the high spirits and excitement, big challenges loom. Leaving for college can be a stressful time.
East graduate Darby Chhabria (’25) is a soon to be freshman at Bowdoin College. She plans to major in pre-law while playing basketball at the same time. Chhabria ponders about the challenges that will come with being a student athlete at the college level.
“I know that living on my own and handling basketball on top of school is going to be challenging. But, my family and friends have provided me with the tools to still be successful,” she said. Although anticipation for what’s yet to come lingers in her mind, excitement overtakes those thoughts. She feels ready to take on whatever comes next.
Nate Morgan (’25), a now East alumnus, plans to attend college at the University of Florida this fall.
“Leaving for college is kind of surreal… it’s a mix of many different emotions – both happy and sad,” Morgan said.
Morgan said that he is sad to be a plane ride away from the people he loves– not just a five-minute car ride. He grieves leaving behind his people– some of whom he has called his best friends since the daycare infant room. Moreover, he is sad to depart his family with whom he fosters a tight-knit bond.
And yet, Morgan said he looks forward to college life. To learn to live on his own. To watch football in his dorm room with friends. To start new hobbies. And, to meet new and interesting people.
As the summer winds down, the graduates give their final hugs to one another and pack up their bags.
“Although [the class of 2025] is all going its separate ways, we will always have each other. Despite the sadness, this is the start of a new story for us. I am excited to take it on,” Morgan said.
The journey is still ahead.
