Going home after being at college is a strange experience. When you went home for Thanksgiving you might have noticed, like I did, that you weren’t used to being in the real world. How bittersweet it was to see high school friends; how nice it was to have your parents to take care of you, and at the same time how bothersome it was to have them hover over you. By the time break was over, you might have never wanted to leave home, or maybe you wanted to go back to Colby as soon as possible. Here are some things I noticed about being home and some advice I wish I’d known on how to handle it.
First, you might be surprised by how much some of your high school friends have changed and how little others have. It’s difficult to leave people you thought you knew well and then come back home during a break to realize they’re different now. I think it’s best to keep an open mind. The comforting thing about good friendships is their ability to withstand all sorts of life changes. It’s great to have friends with whom you share a lot in common, but it’s also good to have friends who are wildly different from you.
You might notice that your parents expect you to act like an adult, but still treat you like a child. You probably forgot you had a curfew or had to remain at the table until you ate all of your vegetables. It might be easiest to just go along with their requests. but for the rebellious types, there are a few things you could do. First, act the age you want to be treated; be respectful and mature. Second, talk to your parents, and establish how you feel, and maybe they’ll better understand your prospective.
It’s important to remember that even though being at home can be tricky, it’s also a special time that you should cherish. Even though your high school friend that you used to eat burgers with is now a vegan, you might still have great inside jokes to share about eighth grade memories. Even though your parents might smother you with kisses every morning, which you might hate, maybe they’ll make you some breakfast, or even do your laundry, which you will definitely love. Personally, I like being at home and being at college. I don’t think I would want one without the other.