John Pongratz sits closely next to his mother at the San Francisco State University Freshman Orientation, casually and confidently looking over the packets and papers with her.

Come this fall, Pongratz is moving 95 miles from Sacramento, California to attend SFSU, following in his sister’s footsteps.

Although his sister already went through her college process, Pongratz says he was nervous about being accepted to SFSU.

He was immediately filled with relief after being admitted to the SFSU Class of 2018.

Sitting in the midst of the chaotic room full of parents and students clinging to each other, Pongratz calmly explained the independence of moving to college and how orientation has made the process easier.

“At college you have to do everything on your own but they have really made it seem like they’re there for us at this point,” Pongratz said. “It’s welcoming and comforting.”

Unlike other parents clutching to their children, his mother was not shaken by the fact that her last child was becoming self-reliant and stating the fact that he was ready to go to college. Pongratz enthusiastically explained his plans to join clubs, reach out to meet new people and start doing well in his classes.

By taking this trip with his mother, Pongratz has learned about what his college life will be like and how that will affect his relationships with his family members. Leaning back in his chair looking relaxed he stated his decision to live at his father’s house instead of staying in the dorms.

“The living situation is perfect because my dad owns a house not too far from here so I’ll just be living there.” Pongratz said.

With a look of excitement mixed with anticipation and a bit of sorrow, Pongratz remarked on the fact that even though he will leave home, he will still be close enough to visit when he wants.