Adventures in College Acceptance Day: Watching My Daughter Choose Her Future

Adventures in College Acceptance Day: Watching Laura Choose Her Future

By Jessica Denise Grono

Some days quietly change the course of your family’s story.

For us, that day came on April 6, 2025, when we traveled to Lycoming College for Accepted Students Day. It was the day Laura officially chose where she would begin the next chapter of her life.

Early that rainy Sunday morning, we loaded the van for the nearly three-hour drive across Pennsylvania. A dear friend came to help me get dressed so we could leave on time. Living with cerebral palsy means I often rely on the kindness of others, and moments like these remind me how blessed I am to have friends who are always willing to lend a hand.

As we drove through the rain, I couldn’t help thinking about the date.

It was also the anniversary of Laura’s father’s passing.

Life has a way of bringing joy and sorrow together. While we were driving toward one of the happiest milestones of Laura’s life, we were also quietly remembering someone who couldn’t be there to see it. I found myself wondering what he would think if he could have watched her that day. I believe he would have been incredibly proud. Laura had worked hard for years to earn an academic scholarship, and now she was officially choosing the college where she would begin the next chapter of her life.

The day became a reminder that love doesn’t disappear when someone is gone. We carry the people we’ve loved with us into life’s biggest moments. Although her dad couldn’t walk across the Lycoming campus with us, his memory was very much part of the journey.

That made the day even more meaningful.

The drive also gave Laura and me something we don’t always have—hours of uninterrupted time together.

We talked about college, packing lists, and everything that was about to change. We laughed, sang along to songs from Jason’s playlist, and made our way through Pennsylvania’s winding, foggy roads. Like many mothers and daughters, we’ve had seasons when our relationship was tested. But on that day, I simply enjoyed spending time with my daughter. It reminded me how much we had both grown.

Laura admitted she was excited and nervous. She wanted to make a good impression.

I smiled and reminded her of something I hope she always remembers.

“You are remarkable. Just be yourself.”

When we arrived, the campus was filled with excited students and proud families. Although I had never heard of Lycoming College before Laura applied, I immediately understood why she loved it. The campus was small, welcoming, and full of character. Historic brick buildings, beautiful green spaces, and friendly faces made it feel like a community rather than just another college.

As usual, I was the only parent using a wheelchair.

That no longer surprises me. Living with cerebral palsy has taught me that everyone has a different journey. While my path may look different, it has never stopped me from showing up for my children during the moments that matter most.

Before paying the enrollment deposit, I asked Laura one last time if she was absolutely sure.

She smiled confidently.

“Yes.”

With that one word, she officially chose Lycoming College.

Afterward, Laura received a balloon and posed for the traditional acceptance photo. Anyone who knows her knows she doesn’t enjoy being the center of attention, but she stepped outside her comfort zone with a smile. Watching her confidently embrace the moment made me just as proud as any academic accomplishment.

We joined a campus tour led by a Lycoming senior. The guide apologized that some areas weren’t fully accessible because of the age of the buildings. I appreciated his thoughtfulness and assured him they were doing the best they could with a historic campus. Besides, Laura was the one attending college—not me.

As we walked around campus, I found myself imagining her future.

I pictured her walking to class with new friends, studying under the trees, attending campus events, and growing into the woman God created her to be.

The dorms were exactly what you might expect, although Laura quickly noticed they didn’t have air conditioning. We laughed and decided a fan would definitely be one of our first college purchases.

Before leaving, Jeff bought Laura a Lycoming sweatshirt. I picked out a T-shirt, and together we bought Lycoming Parents shirts. I laughed to myself because I still didn’t feel old enough to wear one.

Leaving campus that afternoon felt surprisingly easy because Laura was coming home with us.

I knew August would be different.

That would be the day we would leave without her.

As much as I wanted to hold on to every moment, I also knew this was exactly what we had been preparing for since the day she was born. Every homework assignment, every teacher conference, every prayer, every encouragement, and every milestone had led to this moment.

Laura earned her academic scholarship through years of hard work, determination, and perseverance. Watching her choose her future filled me with overwhelming pride.

Accepted Students Day wasn’t just about choosing a college.

It was about watching my daughter choose her future.

As parents, we spend years teaching our children to spread their wings. Then one day, they do.

Our hearts may ache a little as they fly, but there is incredible joy in watching them become exactly who they were created to be.

Here’s to Laura, to Lycoming College, and to the exciting adventures waiting ahead.

I’ll always be cheering her on—no matter where life takes her.