Chicago Students Receive Surprise Announcement at College Send-Off Trunk Party

The excitement and nerves of heading off to college are all too familiar for many students, but for hundreds of Chicago students, their college send-off came with a big surprise. At Guaranteed Rate Field, Chicago’s college-bound freshmen gathered for the annual Take Flight Trunk Party, hosted by the Chicago Housing Authority’s nonprofit partner, Springboard to Success.

This year marked the largest sendoff yet, with over 200 freshmen preparing to scatter to nearly 60 colleges across the country. As they collected essentials like towels and bedding for their dorm rooms, the highlight of the event was the announcement of a free new laptop from AT&T Illinois for each student.

For students like Nykhia Jones, Taniah Hughes, and Tatiana Belcastro, the combination of nerves and excitement was palpable. Jones, studying nursing and business at Illinois State, expressed her mix of emotions, while Hughes, also studying nursing, acknowledged the challenges ahead but looked forward to meeting new people. Belcastro, heading to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, shared her own blend of nerves and excitement for the journey ahead.

The surprise of receiving a new laptop was met with gratitude and excitement by the students, like Anaiya Randall, who had been planning to purchase one herself. This gesture from AT&T Illinois and the organizers of the event served as a reminder to the students that they are supported as they embark on this new chapter in their lives.

As they prepare to leave home and start their college journeys, these students are filled with anticipation for the new beginnings that await them. The Take Flight Trunk Party not only provided them with essential supplies but also with a sense of community and support as they take their next steps towards higher education.

The annual event is a testament to the commitment of organizations like Springboard to Success and AT&T Illinois in empowering and uplifting Chicago’s youth as they pursue their dreams and aspirations. The students’ reactions of excitement and gratitude serve as a reminder of the impact that small gestures can have on shaping the college experience for these young individuals.