Antonia's Update on Life at College Away from Dad Joe Gorga May Make You Tear Up

Goodbyes are often difficult, even when they're temporary.

Antonia Gorga proved this over the weekend when she packed her bags and left her home for her second semester of college. The Real Housewives of New Jersey daughter returned to the Garden State in mid-December and enjoyed nearly two months of winter vacation alongside her parents, Melissa and Joe Gorga, as well as her little brothers, Gino and Joey Jr.

Antonia’s first college break was definitely one for the books, as it included an ice-skating trip at Rockefeller Center, tickets to a Cirque du Soleil show, multiple holiday dinners, and a family trip to Aruba. But, as the old saying goes, all good things must come to an end.

On Sunday, February 4, Antonia said farewell to New Jersey and headed back to the University of Delaware for the start of the spring semester.

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How Joe Gorga reacted when Antonia Gorga left home for college

Antonia Gorga posts an instagram story of Joe Gorga in his doorway watching as, she drives away to college. Photo: Antonia Gorga/Instagram

The college freshman documented her goodbye in a heart-melting Instagram photo that was taken from her home driveway. The Story showed her dad, Joe, looking quite sad as he stood on their porch and watched his little girl leave.

“Watching me drive away to college,” Antonia captioned the post, followed by bawling emojis.

We’re not crying, you are!

Joe Gorga was "panicking" as Antonia prepared for college life

Joe Gorga posts an image of himself with his daughter, Antonia Gorga, during her 18th birthday party on August 12, 2023. Photo: Joe Gorga/Instagram

See How Antonia Gorga Spent Her Last Night at Home Before Heading Off to College

In the months leading up to Antonia’s high school graduation, Melissa revealed she and her hubby had very different feelings about their daughter’s next chapter. Joe didn’t want to say goodbye to Antonia and had no problems expressing his concerns.

“Joe is panicking. I’m like, good for her. Go, girl, go,” Melissa told People back in February 2023. “Joe’s like, ‘All she’s going to do is party and drink and eat and [hang out with] boys.’ I’m like, ‘Joe, there’s actually education in college.’ … [Joe is] this typical, he doesn’t want his daughter to go.”

What did Melissa Gorga think of Antonia's new chapter?

Melissa Gorga Gives an Update on Her Daughter, Antonia’s, College Life: “She’s Thriving”

Melissa, on the other hand, was quite excited for Antonia to begin college life. She told the outlet that her daughter was “very sheltered,” which is why it was so important for her to leave the nest and become more independent.

“She needs to know what it’s like to wash her own clothes and buy her own detergent. I just think she needs that,” the RHONJ mom explained. “I do everything for her,” she said. “It’s good for her to be independent and learn who she is, so I’m excited for her. It’s going to be a huge change not to have her bossing us around this house like she does, but I think it’s going to be great for her.”