It’s February and seniors are almost finished turning in their college applications for round two.

“This is the busiest and most expensive time for seniors,” College Career advisor Ms. Murphy says. Kids are using the money they saved to submit hundreds of dollars’ worth of applications and transcript fees and then paying for cap and gowns.

“Seniors are so ready to graduate that they forget that all these obligations and responsibilities must be taken care of,” comments senior Melanie Lopes.

Even though the kids are all ready to graduate and leave for college, how do the parents feel about their children leaving? This might be the most expensive time for seniors but it’s the hardest time for parents too. Eighteen years of raising a child is coming to an end; soon these “kids” will be going out into the real world and will have to take care of themselves.

“It didn’t hit until New Year’s day that my daughter is leaving the house in about six months and is starting a new chapter in her life,” mother of senior Tina Daramy says. “She’s my first child and she’s leaving. I don’t know what I’m going to do when that day comes. I’ll probably cry my eyes out.”

The time is coming fast, the first 12 years of school is coming to a rapid conclusion. “I’m excited about her prospects, the college she’s going to, if she’ll receive a good amount of scholarships, so at this time, I’m not sad. However, I am sure when the time comes, it’ll be tough to see her go,” says my own mother. What are parents’ hopes when their child leaves for school?

“I know she’ll do great in life, so that idea keeps me sane,” Ms. Kamara adds. Parents know what their child could accomplish just by furthering their education elsewhere; that’s what changes their perspective of where their child goes.

Some kids want to leave, and some parents are glad to finally have a free house now, but what about the single parents with only one child? How do they feel?

“It hurts knowing that my son is going so far, he’s my rock, and he’s my world. He wants to go to Morehouse in Atlanta, Georgia, which is a great school. I understand he wants to be successful, and yes I want him to be the best that he can be, but it’s hard saying bye to my only child. Eighteen years and he’s actually leaving. These years went by so fast. I just can’t believe he’s leaving,” senior Tyreek Fils’ mother shares.

If it was up to the parents in full, where would their child would be going to school?

“If it was my choice, he’d be going straight to MC (Montgomery College) in Rockville. But that’s not what he wants to do, so I have to live with that decision. I know he’s making a good choice,” Ms. Fils adds. Parents play a big part in the decision making process, but then it all comes down to where the child feels fits them the most.