Voices For Children College Tour 2025: On the Road to Hope

By Sonia Granados, Voices For Children Programs Director

Last week, I had the privilege of joining my first-ever college tour with a group of incredible foster youth, and I’m still processing all the emotions it stirred. Over the course of several days, we traveled across Florida by bus, visiting six universities—and making memories that I know will stay with me forever. The universities we visited were: Florida Gulf Coast University, University of South Florida, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), Florida State University, University of Florida and University of Central Florida. 

One of the standout moments came when we visited Florida A&M University (FAMU). The energy shifted the second we stepped onto campus. Eyes lit up, questions poured out, and for a few moments, you could see something powerful begin to form—hope. Many of the students talked about FAMU as if they could already see themselves there one day, walking those halls as proud Rattlers. It reminded me how life-changing exposure can be.

Of course, it wasn’t all academics. We balanced the tour with fun stops at Top Golf and Busch Gardens, where laughter replaced anxiety, and the weight so many of these young people carry every day seemed to lift, even just temporarily. Watching them let go and be kids—something many don’t get to do often—was beautiful.

Spending hours on a bus with teens was also a humbling experience. I’ve always considered myself “hip” (and even saying that makes me sound immediately un-hip, I know!). But they kept me on my toes, taught me new lingo and reminded me that being cool is more about showing up authentically than trying to fit in.

Some of the conversations, though, were heavy. I heard stories from children who had experienced homelessness. Another shared their longing to find a permanent home—a “forever home”—rather than continuing to carry the label of “orphan,” a word that, heartbreakingly, they used to describe themselves. Their resilience in the face of so much instability broke my heart and inspired me in equal measure.

This trip didn’t just reaffirm my passion—it clarified my purpose. Every mile we traveled, every school we visited, and every story I heard reminded me why I chose this path. These children deserve not only access to education, but also belonging, support, and love.

I want to be part of helping each and every one of them find either their forever home—or their forever college. And if I can play even a small role in making that happen, then I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.