Some people say that college is the best four years of your life. But for many young people, preparing to go to college can feel overwhelming or mysterious.

To get a jump start on envisioning their academic futures, our younger kids recently went on their first-ever college visit to Elmhurst University as part of Mercy Home’s Dream! Believe! Achieve! program.

Mercy Home Board member Joe Nolan and his wife Janet helped launch the Dream! Believe! Achieve! program, which exposes our young people to the college experience by taking them on visits to schools throughout the country. These trips are vital in inspiring children to pursue higher education.

Elmhurst University has hosted our young people on college visits for more than 10 years, thanks to the support and advocacy of Elmhurst English professor and Leader Council member Mary Kay Mulvaney. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, participants stayed on campus for a weekend to get a real feel for college life.

“The goal of the annual Dream! Believe! Achieve! program with Elmhurst University is to expose elementary and early high school youth to what’s possible after high school, and that a four-year college is one option among many, said Liz Tomka, Vice President of Education and Career Resources at Mercy Home. “It encourages them to do well in high school so they can achieve their goals after high school.”

Christian Barren, Senior First Year Admissions Counselor at Elmhurst University, gave our kids a complete overview of the university’s admission requirements, student life, academic programs, tuition, and scholarship rewards. Then the visitors had a chance to hear from current Elmhurst students about their academic journey and college experience.

“Elmhurst University personalizes this annual visit so Mercy Home youth can hear about financial aid, scholarships, and different paths to college degrees,” Tomka said. “For example, what it is like to transfer from a two-year to a four-year college. They are also exposed to college professors of majors that may be relatable to them such as music, drama, and science.”

During their visit, the kids sat in a typical college classroom and were taught by Elmhurst University faculty. One of the classes they attended was a lecture about the process of making soap and the diverse types of bacteria involved. Afterward, the kids got to make their own soap and explore various fragrances, shapes, and essential oils. Later, after a delicious lunch on campus, they attended music and drama classes.

In the drama class, there was lots of laughter and smiles in the room, as our kids played fun improv games such as “Zip-Zap-Zop” and “What Are You Doing?” and took part in a variety of role-playing scenes—all to help them understand the importance of having effective communication skills.

In the music class, they learned from a professor about how to make beats using the Garage Band program. The kids got to make their own beats and play them for their peers. One of the boys made a unique song and all his peers gave him great and positive feedback.

Our Education and Career Resources team did a wonderful job organizing this college visit. It allowed the kids to visualize what their academic journey could be like in the future and gave them authentic exposure to college life. Most of all, it inspired our young people to pursue their dreams and do their best in school.

Thank you to our friends at Elmhurst University for the gracious hospitality.

Education gives our kids the opportunity to build a brighter future. Your gift will help them get there.