The past two months have proven to me the truth behind the cliche phrase, “distance makes the heart grow fonder.” College was wonderful, but I missed my family. Among my friends, I live the farthest away from Kenyon. Hailing from Southern California, going home for Fall Break or just any weekend is not in the cards thanks to the cost of airfare and the energy needed for the long journey. So after one of my longest weeks since coming to Kenyon in August, (yay midterms) I was practically bouncing with excitement to see my parents over Family Weekend.
Being with my parents this weekend was absolutely wonderful. It didn’t feel like anything had changed even though it has been almost two months since I was last with them. We went on a classic mall adventure to Columbus so I could load up on cold weather clothes and food. It felt like a regular weekend with my parents, complete with going out for dinner, watching (and shouting at) the USC football game, and having my mom braid my hair. I loved us being back together, even if our time together was shorter than I would have liked. But hey, college students are busy, (especially we overachievers who flock to Kenyon) so I guess there’s a reason why the visit is limited to a weekend.
Despite my great experience, I’ve heard mixed reactions from fellow students about this past weekend. Some were glad to see their family again and didn’t want them to leave. Some were happy to get back into the normal routine after a weekend of playing host to their parents, trying to show them why Kenyon was the best place on earth in a way that compared to hosting a group of prospies. Whether their families came for the weekend or not, everyone was focused on family and home. Even now, all anyone can talk about is this weekend.
Since my parents’ departure, I have had my own realization. Their presence was more a comfort than anything else. It was reassuring to my sense of independence. I am living at Kenyon on my own and I’m doing fine. I have days where I miss my life with my California family and friends, but the distance is setting me free rather than constricting me to misery. Don’t get me wrong when I say that I was happy for Sunday to finally come, but it was great to finally show my parents the campus I call home. As with most enjoyable things, however, the fun weekend had to end eventually, and when the time came to say goodbye I realized that I had definitely missed hanging out with my new friends at Kenyon the whole weekend.
It is true that I miss the quirks and perks of being at home. I miss petting my cat. I miss hugs and movie nights with my mom. I miss my dad’s endless pop culture knowledge and constant references. I miss the exchanges of sarcasm between my brother and I. And sometimes I wish I could go back home. Not back to high school, but back to what I know, what is familiar. But if Kenyon has taught me anything so far, it’s that college isn’t meant to be comfortable; it’s a challenge made up of taking risks, testing your limits, and exploring new horizons. It’s been a lovely weekend, but it’s good to be back into the swing of things, now. I’m ready for the next challenge.
Until Thanksgiving, Mom and Dad.
[Photo Sources: Jenna Wendler; Kenyon Alumni Bulletin]