I grew up in the same place for most of my life. Since I was a baby, my hometown is all I’ve really known. The same surroundings, the same routines. I went to school with the same people every year, I worked the same job every summer and had the same friend group. I love being with my friends and my family, and it’s comforting to know that whenever I’m home, my whole life is waiting for me.
There are pros and cons to my hometown. Nothing is ever new, no surprises, but it constantly feels comfortable. I know where I like to go every day and I get excited to see my friends and family again. However, being at home can be boring. Always going to the same places can get repetitive and it can be difficult to constantly be under the watchful eyes of those who have known you your whole life. Coming to university every year is a big change of pace and I kind of feel like a whole new version of myself. I get a sense of freedom, and everything is a whole new experience. School can be very stressful and overwhelming, but I get to try so many new things I never would have tried at home.
Every year when I come to Waterloo, I become the school version of myself. Still the same person, but one that better represents the changes in my environment and lets me keep up with everything going on around me. The school version and the home version of me are both representatives of myself but show different sides of my personality based on what is expected of me.
The university version of me is a far more organized person. She likes to act like she has her life together. When I come to school, I become a planner; someone that thinks ahead and constantly has a checklist going. I become someone who loves to go out and meet new people. I see myself becoming braver and more outgoing. I can truly see the change in myself every September and I think it’s a really great thing that I am able to adapt to my surroundings and be ready for what’s coming that semester.
When I’m at home, I’m a slightly more grown-up and mature version of the same girl I was growing up. When I’m at home though, I seem to care a little less. I become a little disorganized and let my routines slip. I slip into my school break persona and let myself rest. Without being able to give myself that break and time away from the pressures of school, I struggle to keep up with who I am at school.
I love who I am in both places, but it never ceases to amaze me when I see that change in myself. I hope that one day, I will be able to combine that home version of me and the school version of me together and create the me that I aspire to be.