Carlos Rendon Montano sits down at the table every evening and jumps on a Zoom call with his parents. The native Colombian left his home country in 2018 to live with his grandmother.

He thought it’d be two years in Philadelphia until he saw his parents again – the amount of time it takes to get braces. The pandemic changed that.

Now, with his college commitments, it’ll be a total of six years since he last saw them.

“Sometimes I cry because Colombia is home,” Montano said. “The last time my family saw me, I was only 17. I’m taller. I didn’t have a beard when I left. But even though I miss my country, my family and my friends, I can’t say I didn’t do anything these five years.”

On a normal day, Montano chats with fellow Manor College students about Marvel movies and
Criminal Justice classes. He became a Presidential Ambassador in 2023.

He represents the college during large events including leading tours at Open Houses. He credits the change from introvert to extrovert to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Montano first discovered Manor College through his grandmother, Nelly Manrique. Manrique, a 1991 Associate’s Degree graduate, told him about Manor’s supportive community.

“Honestly, I don’t think you’re going to get this level of attachment at any other college,”
Montano said.

“There are other good colleges, but at Manor, you’re in a family. You Belong Here. And if you come to Manor, you’re going to belong here because this is a place that makes you feel like home.”

Montano is expected to graduate from Manor College in 2024 with his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. An internship this Summer with HIAS PA opened up new possibilities.

The law firm he worked for dealt with immigration, and Montano became part of the intake team. He took calls, listened to their stories and helped direct them to the proper location.

After Montano graduates in 2024, his first plan is to return to Colombia to visit his family. Montano credits Manor College with giving him an avenue to a new life.

“In me, there is a passion to go outside even more,” Montano said. “I want to explore this world
and go do what I couldn’t do when I was sitting in my cave. Manor gave me the opportunity to change who I used to be, and I’m going to use it 100 percent.”

Read more about the Manor College student’s blossoming journey on Manor College’s website.

Manor College — You Belong Here