Halle Berry, the acclaimed actress, has recently shared her heartfelt reflections on her daughter’s transition to university life, a significant milestone that brings both pride and anxiety for the family. The 60-year-old star expressed her emotions concerning 18-year-old Nahla Ariela Aubry’s departure to study in another state during the Create & Cultivate Festival Panel held in Los Angeles on 20th September.
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Berry, who shares Nahla with her former partner, model Gabriel Aubry, described this moment as bittersweet. “She’s the first to go and she’s my baby girl,” she noted. While the actress felt an immense sense of pride in her daughter’s accomplishments, she also admitted to some apprehension. “I felt proud of her, but there’s a little fear,” she elaborated, highlighting the anxiety any mother would feel while watching her child step into adulthood. “She’s in the world now all by herself,” she continued, showcasing the duality of parental emotions during such transitions.

The actress conveyed her hopes as Nahla embarks on this new chapter. “I just hope that she makes the right decisions and that her dad and I hope we raised her up right,” she stated, underlining the desires of every parent for their child to thrive independently. The supportive environment created by both parents was evident, as Berry acknowledged their collective efforts in nurturing their daughter.
Adjusting to this new family dynamic has been particularly challenging for Halle’s younger son, Maceo-Robert Martinez, who is 12 years old. Berry explained how he is coping with his sister’s absence, indicating that he finds himself in a unique position. “Maceo-Robert is happy that he gets to sleep in his sister’s bed and feels like an only child in her absence,” she revealed, while also noting the mixed feelings that come with this change.
While there are indeed “perks” to having the house to himself, such as making decisions about meals without needing to compromise with a sibling, the bittersweet nature of family life remains. Berry remarked, “It feels ‘off’ without her there,” indicating the emotional void left by Nahla’s departure. Yet, she firmly believes that the family remains strong and supportive. “We’re all so proud,” she emphasised, reiterating their encouragement for Nahla as she pursues her education.
The actress commemorated Nahla’s academic achievements earlier this year, celebrating her graduation from high school in June. In a rare moment of unity, both Berry and Aubry came together to honour their daughter, reflecting their commitment to co-parenting despite their past separation. In October, Berry highlighted another achievement when she proudly revealed that Nahla had been accepted to college early at just 17.
Prior to starting university full-time, Nahla enjoyed a taste of college life through a summer programme, which Berry had shared on social media. The proud mother has previously voiced her mixed emotions about her daughter’s future. In an interview while guest hosting on *Today with Jenna and Friends*, she expressed her excitement mixed with worry. “I’m not one of these mums that feels like, ‘Oh, she’s leaving,’” she declared. “Yes, will I worry? Of course. But am I excited for her to start her life and figure out who she’s gonna be? Absolutely.”
As Nahla embarks on this new adventure, Halle Berry will continue to navigate the complexities of motherhood, balancing pride, worry, and joy as her family adapts to the changes. With Nahla’s resilience and the solid foundation provided by both parents, the future looks promising for the young student as she steps further into her own identity and independence.
