For many high school seniors, graduation not only marks the end of four years but also marks the beginning of a new journey. As students commit to colleges across the country, they are stepping away from the comfort of South Florida and entering unfamiliar environments. With this, students experience complex emotions about the shift, such as fear of leaving their families, finding new friends, and making completely different routines from the ones they had as a Jaguar. 

For some seniors, the decision to leave the state is rooted in an amazing opportunity. Senior Jonathan Alonzo, who committed to Harvard University, explained that the full-ride program made the prestigious university financially possible.

“[I was drawn to] the perfect curriculum—a mix of an advanced engineering/STEM course load and an immersive liberal arts education—to fit my academic necessities,” Alonzo emphasizes.

Others, however, were motivated to grow outside of their comfort zones, which, for many, meant leaving Florida. Senior Maria Benedek, who committed to Virginia Tech, believes that moving away would allow her to become more independent and challenge herself in a new environment. 

Meanwhile, Senior Hannah Ikner committed to Brigham Young University not for distance, but for belonging, since the school’s strong Latter-Day Saints (LDS) community would allow her to grow “spiritually and intellectually.” 

“I’m honestly really scared. I have no family in Utah and only know a couple of people there. I’m going to miss Florida so much, especially since Utah has such different weather and scenery,” Ikner expresses.

Although each senior’s reason for leaving Florida differs, they all made a deliberate choice to pursue something bigger than themselves while also becoming independent people.

Despite the excitement of college and learning new things about the place students will live in for four years, the emotional weight of leaving is impossible to ignore. Many seniors spoke about how difficult it is to say goodbye to the people who have shaped their lives and been there for them every step of the way. Alonzo describes this transition as “extremely depressing” yet “bittersweet,” explaining that although leaving behind friends, family, and a significant other is painful, their support makes him motivated to succeed and never give up. 

For students who have lived with friends and family for their entire lives, getting used to being without them is terrifying for many, but it also opens doors for students to know how to live with strangers. Even the most accomplished students experience this uncertainty when having to deal with such a major life change. Still, many find navigate the change with perseverance and find comfort in knowing that they are not alone.

Beyond the emotional challenge of moving out of state, students are preparing for major lifestyle changes. For those heading to different climates, the weather will be an extreme change from Florida’s year-round warmth. Others also thought about the cultural differences and how some areas are less diverse than where they lived in Florida. 

For Benedek, financial responsibility is another concern. 

“I think my only challenge is that I’m going to be busier because I have to earn an income and pay for my tuition. I’ve been applying to different jobs and taking internships as well as applying to scholarships,” she says.

Alongside the fear and unknown comes excitement as well. The Class of 2026 is excited and looking forward to meeting new people and experiencing new things. 

Alonzo shares how excited he is to “connect with individuals with extremely unique backgrounds and paths of life,” believing these interactions will make him more knowledgeable. Both Ikner and Bendek see this as a chance to be more self-reliant and independent. 

As these seniors prepare to leave Florida behind, they carry more than just suitcases; they also carry ambition, excitement, and hope. While the transition may be difficult, it offers amazing opportunities for the Class of 2026 to discover who they are beyond South Florida and the familiar environment in which they spent their childhood. In choosing to step away from what they know, these PPCHS Jags are not just moving across the country, but moving toward a life they want to realize.