The process that goes into choosing a future path is different for everyone. Some people choose a university that offers them the biggest scholarship, others pick one that suits their specific future plans. Seniors Regan Vaccaro, Bri Lowe and Alex Stanton have chosen colleges to follow in the footsteps of their family members.

Vaccaro plans to attend the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. She said she was drawn there because of her family and childhood connection to the area.

“I’ve grown up going to football games and having a good time and just knowing the campus area a lot,” Vaccaro said.

Similar to Vaccaro, Stanton said he plans to attend Kansas State University and that growing up visiting campus allowed him to get to know what it is like in Manhattan, Kansas.

“I love the culture around there and always grew up as a K-State fan,” Stanton said.

Lowe said she was also raised a K-State fan, but the legacy that she is continuing is more than attending the same college. Not only will she be attending Kansas State University, but she said she will also be throwing javelin there as her mother did. Lowe said that her mother’s involvement in the sport has made her the athlete she is today.

“I’m really close to my mom because she’s my track coach,” Lowe said. “She’s always been my coach for other sports, too, growing up, so we spend a lot of time together. I definitely think that’s why I love track so much is because she has made it such a fun sport.”

Continuing her mother’s legacy was not always her plan. Lowe said she had multiple offers she was considering before deciding on K-State.

“My mom was a really big help in the recruiting process because she’s gone through it before,” Lowe said. “When I was trying to decide between Hawaii and K-State, my mom was actually kind of leaning toward Hawaii because she didn’t want me to go to K-State just because she went there, which is not the only reason that I chose to go there. It was just a better fit for me. But it was really helpful to have her help me make the decision.”

Although she’s chosen a place that is familiar, Lowe said she is looking forward to more independence and new experiences.

“I’m really excited for college in general, just to be out on my own and to be able to be independent and kind of start my own life,” Lowe said.

Despite choosing the same school as his parents, Stanton said the changes of the school over time make it a completely different experience.

“My parents are like, ‘That’s completely new since I’ve been here,’” Stanton said. “K-State as a whole has changed so much.”

Each individual makes a unique decision on what their future is and where to go next. Vaccaro said choosing to go to a college with family connections allows her to grow closer to her family and feel more at home. She said she will be moving to Nebraska but is going to feel closer to home and more connected to her family.

“[My family is] going to visit me all the time,” Vaccaro said. “I feel closer to home in a way, even though I’m leaving Kansas. I’m so close to home in the way that connects me to my family members.”