I remember being a freshman and being overjoyed at the thought of going home to free laundry and food. Now the thought of driving home just makes me want to nap. The driving home and back should take six hours, six hours I could use to do homework or sleep. Don’t get me wrong, I’m thrilled to spend time with the fam and work Black Friday, just not as jubilated as I was as a freshman. Freshmen and graduate students just have differing feelings when it comes to going home for Thanksgiving break.
Going Home: Freshman
Free laundry, dinner prepared by family members and getting to see high school friends! Yes, not much tops going home.
Going Home: Grad Student
Papers, grading, and brainstorming potential thesis topics? How is it already Thanksgiving break?!
Activities at Home: Freshman
Time to share all those stories about that guy from biology. Why did I even bring my biology textbook home?
Activities at Home: Grad Student
I don’t remember the last time I actually had a good night’s sleep. Maybe I’ll go to bed right after dinner. I’ll work on my papers tomorrow. Netflix and pie!
When family asks about a significant other: Freshman
“A girl/boyfriend? I would never have a distraction like that!” “Oh, my friend Jaime who I was tagged in a picture with? He’s just my lab partner!” This is the beginning of family members asking at every holiday get together about your “other half.”
When family asks about a significant other: Grad Student
Well considering I go to class, spend obscene amounts of time in the library writing, workout and eat, I don’t have the time. Pardon me while I pour myself another glass of wine, and yes, I’m still in the relationship with my pizza.
“Do you know what you want to do with your major?”: Freshman
What makes family members think Thanksgiving is the time or place to ask big life questions like this? I didn’t know what I was doing the day after Thanksgiving, let alone what I was going to do after four years in college.
“What are your plans for your PhD/master’s degree?”
What makes you think I have a plan? I’m only in this program because I don’t feel like I can adult very well. Finishing would be a good step of the plan to complete before I think any further ahead.
Dinner: Freshman
Freshman year, you eat dining hall food morning, noon and night. You gain a true appreciation for a homecooked meal. To be honest, the meal could have many flaws, and you still would not care. Commence stretchy pant time!
Dinner: Graduate Student
Don’t be fooled, Thanksgiving brings joy to grads as well. We just fall asleep immediately following dinner because an opportunity for a nap has just presented itself.
Going Back to School
Year in school does not matter when it comes to going back. Finishing the semester sounds nice, but so does lying on the couch watching Netflix and eating leftovers.
Bright side: dead week and finals are all that stand in your way between Thanksgiving break and winter break! Have a restful and wonderful Thanksgiving, collegiettes!