Ashley Zapata P’27 describes her impressions of Gettysburg College’s resources and support for parents and families as she and her husband, Alan P’27, helped their daughter, Libby Zapata ’27, transition to life and learning at Gettysburg.
The pile of things in our living room to take to school grew exponentially after Libby’s high school graduation. Organized into a sea of IKEA blue bags and totes, a base of must-have items was followed by memories from home, such as framed pictures of friends and family, and, on top, her tattered but well-loved stuffed dog, TJ. It was a daily reminder that our daughter was about to leave and start a new and exciting chapter in her life at Gettysburg College. My husband Alan and I were thrilled for her and knew she was ready, but we weren’t sure if we were ready at all.
Move-in day arrived, and the TikToks I had seen suggesting it should be an Olympic sport were totally on point. It was a fast and furious unpacking that taxed us physically, followed by the emotional ping-pong of excitement and a lump in our throats that tightened as we listened to the heartfelt welcome during the Opening Convocation.
We said our goodbyes alongside other first-years and their families; echoes of “I love yous” and “We’re proud of you” filled the air in this bittersweet moment. We grabbed a last-minute picture, and then Libby looked back, waved, and was off on her new journey! Tears blurred my eyes as I remembered a similar image from kindergarten, and, as I tried to fall asleep later that night, thoughts of “how did we get here so fast?” filled my mind.
We had decided to stay an extra day “just in case she needed anything,” and because a close friend and parent of a Gettysburg alum had suggested we might want to watch the First-Year Walk. My friend had said this walk was one of the most storied Gettysburg College traditions, as the first-year students would follow the same path that students took in 1863 to hear President Abraham Lincoln deliver the Gettysburg Address. Since there was a chance to catch another glimpse of our girl, it was all we needed to justify sticking around a little longer.
We gathered on the sidewalk under the Majestic Theater marquee with other parent friends. We watched as the town circle and route for the walk filled with members of the Gettysburg community—faculty, staff, upperclass students, and Libby’s teammates from the women’s soccer team. Listening to music from the Gettysburg College band, it was wonderfully festive as the group of students started making their way down Carlisle Street toward us.
As they passed by our vantage point, we finally saw her, ever so briefly, but smiling as she waved and went by with her new teammates. As we witnessed the whole community clapping and cheering them into their new town, it was stunningly clear that her First-Year Walk would never be alone. Watching her move around Lincoln Square and out of our sight, we realized our “first-year walk” had also begun, and we needed to make that leap of faith by letting go and trusting the enduring support that Gettysburg provides for its students and families.
Fast forward, and it’s been two years since “our first-year walk.” The adjustment was initially a little sad and slow, especially in those first few weeks, with her room being so empty, missing daily moments with her, and figuring out how to stay in touch and support her from afar while respecting her new autonomy.
We learned to listen more and talk less during conversations that now happened on FaceTime or through text threads. Tinges of worry were replaced with relief as we heard the excitement in her voice, received pictures of yet another gorgeous orange Gettysburg sunset, and ultimately realized she was finding her way and leaning on the community around her.
Our new normal was made easier thanks to the support we found in the numerous opportunities that Gettysburg offers for parents to stay engaged and informed. From signing up for Gettysburg’s parent communications portal, CampusESP, the Parents and Families webpages, following the College on various social media platforms, participating in Family Weekend activities, and attending sporting events—these are just a few of the ways available that have helped my husband and I feel more connected to her life in “the ’Burg.” As we met parents along the way, it became a shared sentiment that Gettysburg really wanted and provided ways for parents to feel included.
And now, it’s hard to believe Libby is entering her junior year. At this point, she has taken thousands of her own steps forward since her First-Year Walk, but the community support felt that day has only grown, coming from many different people who have joined in the walk alongside her.
“We know the next two years will go by just as quickly, and we will be watching our daughter take her final walk through Penn Hall. We will remember ‘our first-year walk’ that began with a promise by this community to show up for its students and families.”
– Ashley Zapata P’27
Her academic advisors prioritized getting to know her, adept at listening and offering insight and advice as she weighed the decision for her health sciences major and biology minor. Her professors have challenged her with class content, always available throughout the week to discuss labs and tests, and mentored her as she developed into a more confident student.
Her coaches have helped shape her time on and off the field as a member of the women’s soccer team into a positive and affirming experience. Participating in philanthropic events as part of the Chi Omega sorority and engaging in thoughtful conversations through FCA have further enriched her Gettysburg experience. Combined with close friendships that have endured the inevitable ups and downs, the Gettysburg community has been a constant, steadying presence during her time there.
We know the next two years will go by just as quickly, and we will be watching our daughter take her final walk through Penn Hall. It will be a happy celebration of all her hard work. We will remember our “first-year walk” that began with a promise by this community to show up for its students and families. Our hearts will be full, holding tremendous gratitude for those who played a critical and supportive role in her life throughout this journey. The professors, coaches, athletic trainers, staff, friends, and parents of fellow Gettysburg students—all of whom showed their kindness, guidance, and care to her (and to us)—have made this walk so memorable.
In the same way it all started, we will be there, and they will be there, clapping and cheering for her and the Class of 2027 as they begin their next walk ahead!
Ashley Zapata P’27 of West Hartford, Connecticut, is the mother of Libby Zapata ’27, a health sciences major, biology minor, and defender on the Bullets women’s soccer team.
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By Ashley Zapata P’27
Main photo by Lauren Magel P’27; supporting photos provided by Ashley Zapata P’27 and Libby Zapata ’27
Posted: 10/16/25