I had the opportunity to sit down and chat with one of my most insightful, inspiring friends at Kenyon, Kylie Lohrenz. Debriefing about the past six weeks in Gambier, we discussed what moving to college means to her.
Coming from home in Houston, how has it felt adjusting to life at Kenyon?
There’s definitely a huge difference between Gambier and Houston, but I know it’s an adjustment for everyone, regardless of where everyone has come from. I’m used to small luxuries, like a Target around the corner or Chick-fil-A or Mexican food, but being here has made me realize the difference between luxuries and necessities. Life at Kenyon makes you think about what you really need and what you can live without, which has been a comforting, refreshing change. I also have to admit, I’m not really used to nature, so, at first, this place seemed like a whole new environment with so many hoverflies and walking up hills. I don’t really consider myself a nature person, but, after moving here, I’m learning to love it and enjoy the little things, like the beauty of middle path and the absence of pollution (this is all before experiencing the cold, though).
Anything that you’ve learned while going through this process?
Yes! I realized that everything and everyone I need is here with me. It is a wonderful and liberating thought, but there’s something a little intimidating about it, too. I’ve learned that I don’t necessarily need everything to be happy, or really anything at all. I’ve also been reminded why I first fell in love with Kenyon’s isolated environment—it provides a space to breathe, a more simplistic lifestyle, and the ability to focus on self-growth.
After being at Kenyon over a month and a half, how does everything feel now?
I think adjustment comes in waves. When you first get here, all the newness is fresh and exciting and life is sorta micromanaged, which makes the move slightly easier, while still feeling uprooted and small. Around the third week or so, it dawns on you that this school is home for the next four years, which brings a new feeling of unsettlement all over again. Then I took a weekend away to DC. Although I’m naturally a city person, this time, I was entirely overwhelmed. I kept thinking about how I wanted to be back at Kenyon, in this calming setting, which gave me the sense that I belong here and that I’m a part of this place.
What are some aspects about Kenyon that have surprised you?
It’s definitely shocking how small Kenyon actually is. Currently sitting outside Gund Gallery, I’ve seen pretty much everyone I know pass me. But at the same time, I’m shocked at how much I like this feeling of constantly running into everyone I know. I guess it’s a reflection on how open and supportive this community seems. Not just by helping each other through the adjustment process, but with larger issues too, that often go unaddressed elsewhere, like mental and physical health. People here are all individual, but, at the same time, like-minded and supportive, which is comforting.
Looking back, what advice would you tell yourself before coming here?
Thinking back to my interview at Kenyon, I was terrified. I was actually crying at the Village Inn, beforehand, absolutely scared of everything ahead of me. I wish I could tell myself to breathe, that I would make the right decision, and find a home here. Overall, just to follow your instinct and trust that you’ll end up where you belong.
Thank you, Kylie! We hope the next four years at Kenyon are great.
Image Credits: Caroline Cohen