Alex Diahn, a Masonic Children’s Home alumnus, recently celebrated his college graduation, but that’s just the start for him. Alex graduated in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in business management (with a human resources concentration) from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania. He currently lives in West Chester with Amos Kollie, another recent college graduate from the children’s home. Alex is working on his master’s degree in information technology from Bloomsburg University. He anticipates graduating in May 2025.
“The children’s home taught me how to hold myself accountable in every aspect of my life. I look at the self-discipline I have today, and I know it stems from my time there,” Alex said. “Time management, scheduling and always having a routine — the houseparents did a great job of instilling that in us at a young age. That helped me be the way I am now.”
Alex hopes to have a future career in data analytics or information technology. “It’s a challenging career,” he said. “The combination of information technology and human resources is the perfect blend for me. I like the analytical part of it.”
Alex arrived at the children’s home at age 9 in the fourth grade. He graduated from Elizabethtown Area High School in 2019. He enjoyed running track, playing basketball and football and being part of the mini “thon” club at school.
“It was a great schooling experience,” he said. “The teachers were terrific. I received a better education than I would have staying in my hometown [of Philadelphia].”
The relationships he cultivated with his house parents, as well as his peers in the different cottages, was what Alex appreciated most about living at the children’s home.
“That’s what I miss — the friendships and chatting with the houseparents every day and hanging out with the guys in our rooms playing video games,” he said. “I still keep in touch with many of them.”
“My time at the children’s home was great,” he added. “I made friends that will last a lifetime. It was a good experience. Although you may miss your home, you need to look at the long-term picture of being at the children’s home. It all makes sense as you get older, but I’m grateful for the time I spent there.”