For many of us, our seventh week of college is soon approaching. Time begins to pass at a relatively stable rate, immune systems are tested to their limits, and sleep schedules show a desperate need of attention. Among the craziness of a student juggling academics, extra circulars, and a social life, there are many things to look forward to. One, in particular, places students on two very opposite ends of an emotional spectrum: incredibly excited or extremely hesitant. This would be saying a short goodbye to our lovely dorms, apartments, whichever housing you live in, to return home to our families for fall break. Feeling flustered, even annoyed, with the thought of temporarily living at home? Don't be! Here are a handful of reasons to feel blessed in the comfort of your own home.
1. Normal Food. Itching for a nice home-cooked dinner? Ramen and Easy-mac just aren't cutting it these days. Get ready for three-course meals prepared by your family once you walk through that door. Consider it a "freshman 15" away from college.
2. Laundry Festivities. I can say for all of us that the bulky, unreliable washers and dryers here at school are ruining my clothes. Not to mention the slackers who leave their loads in for hours on end. I definitely will not miss the struggle of ascending and descending 9 floors for a clean load of laundry. Did I mention it's free? Bring on the folding and sorting!
3. Furry Friends. One of my greatest regrets moving out was leaving my pets behind, without having the ability to tell them where I was headed off to. It pains me to not see their faces light up, or their tails wag, on a daily basis. Here's a tip: never let your pets go. In fact, just sneak them into your suitcase. I'm sure no one will notice.
4. Sweet Privacy. We eat, we sleep, we use the bathroom and take showers knowing that anyone, at anytime, can walk right in. I've forgotten the importance of privacy, and it'll be greatly appreciated once I'm back in the luxury of my own room.
5. BFFs. As Winnie the Pooh says, "Good friends will help you until you're unstuck." Yes, friends from college will be you're best friends for life. But to finally return home and see old friends who know everything from your favorite foods to your greatest fears... it simply does not get any better than that. Prepare yourself for some rocking sleepovers.
6. Recline And Unwind. College has a way of turning your hair grey. Move a step back, take a deep breath, and smile at the thought of a relaxing long weekend. Need I say more?
7. Shop 'Til You Drop. If you're like me, you live in a college town with nowhere to shop except the nearest CVS and Wal-Mart. Sometimes it's nice being excluded from places that drain your wallet, but once in a while it's healthy to spoil yourself. Grab a friend, or twelve, and make your day a shopping day. Whether it be productive and expensive, or simply window shopping, a day filled with laughter and catching-up is essential.
8. Packing Forgotten Items. It's safe to say that everyone forgets at least one item on their original college packing list. Now is the time to redeem yourself. Keep a pen and pad of paper close at all times, and scribble down whatever comes to mind the minute it occurs.
9. Make Memories. Spend your time wisely, for this break is only a few short days. Use those handy-dandy time management skills you've progressively learned on campus and put them into use. It's all up to you. Make your mini vacation an unforgettable one, and spend it with the people you love most.
10. Family Love. This last reason should be a top priority. Your family loves you more than anything in this world. They're the reason you have this amazing opportunity to receive an education away from home. Impress them. Show them what you have learned with that fancy head on your shoulders. Odds are, they miss you way more than you've been missing them, and they want to see you at your best. Give them the strength to let you go for a few more weeks. Love them unconditionally -- this is what you'll need the most among returning to school. Make your fall break a memorable one!
