I made a last-minute decision to visit home this fall break. Home, in this context, is a city that I've never actually lived in. But, if there's anything that defines home for me, it's where my family is. And as any college student visiting home knows, living with family after being away is quite the learning experience.
One useful lesson I learned over break is this: When told to turn on the kitchen light in your family's new house, don't flip the first wall switch you see. That is the switch for the garbage disposal. The sink is full of dishes. The sound that follows will be ear-grindingly loud.
Prepare to un-switch at lightning speed.
Unfortunately, most mistakes in life won't include a simple "un-switch" mechanism. College is crazy, and it is easy to get lost in the grind and bad habits, and forget what matters. This week, my family unintentionally taught me five big lessons that are remarkably transferable to college life.
1. Make jokes.
"It happens. It overheated because it couldn't handle your hotness." - 12-year-old brother
When things go wrong, sometimes you've just gotta joke about it. My brother is incredibly good at staying positive. His iPad glitched while I was trying to fix it for him. Instead of getting angry, he laughed it off. College will be difficult. Problems will arise, so when you can, keep a lighthearted outlook. Also, technology isn't everything. Broken device? It's not the end of the world.
2. Embrace newness.
"Wait, what did I do? It's not a foul in basketball." -Mom
Try new things! While I've been gone, my mom joined a community soccer team with my dad. She was a star basketball player back in high school, but this is her first experience on a soccer team. I admire her risk-taking skills and knack for having fun and being active. College is a time of a lot of neat opportunities, so don't be too afraid to try something you've never tried before. It's OK to not be a pro immediately.
3. Be wise.
"Fools despise wisdom and discipline." - 15-year-old sister's bulletin board.
Learn and retain that learning. My sister was away, so I stayed in her room. Her bulletin board was covered in verses from Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, posted between periodic tables, levels of taxonomy classification, and a list of polyatomic ions. I am challenged by her stellar organization skills and dedication to learning. College students, expand your brain! Soak up wisdom from all places, from books, to professors, to the Bible, and surround yourself with reminders.
4. Take naps.
"I napped on their couch. No shame." -Dad
Treat yourself to well-earned rest! My dad works super hard, but he's also great at kicking back and taking it easy. Recently, my family was at a friends house, and my dad decided it was prime nap-time. When the nap calls, seize the moment! Don't sleep deprive yourself. You don't need to be at home to make yourself at home, and naps aren't just for preschoolers. Sleep is a college student's best friend, just use discretion.
5. Don't conform.
"My hair isn't European. I have the majestic mane of an untamed lion." - 14-year-old brother
Be yourself! My brother is growing out his hair. Why? Because he likes it that way. And despite pressure to cut it off, my brother is holding his ground. If he can be bold, so can you. College is a time to try new things, but don't try to fit into someone else's mold for you, or do something just because everyone else is doing it. Make your own decisions, and own them.
Be original. ☼
