Two years ago I started my college career miles away from home. I was convinced that I hated my hometown and I could not wait to get out. Not very long after I’ve learned just how important my hometown is to me, and that it will always have a place in my heart.
1. It's OK to be homesick
Initially coming to college, I tried to act tough. I liked to (and wanted to) believe that I would have no emotion about being away from home. After some time, I realized that was not the case. I began missing my parents, my bed, and the familiarity of my hometown. Despite what I thought, being homesick is OK. I’ve learned that it's natural for me to miss these aspects of my life. They were a part of all I knew for the last 20 years. I began to find that it was natural, and moving away did not change the importance these different things held in my life.
2. You can still be friends with the people there
Moving away from college seems like one of the saddest moments ever. I remember everyone around me being so distraught about being hours away from the friends they had made over the last 18 years. The one thing I’ve learned is no matter where you go, true friends will always be by your side. I’ve kept in contact with a good number of friends from high school, and have a few I text on a daily.
3. It's not all that’s out there
Living in the same town my whole life, the suburban atmosphere was all I knew. Now, obviously I knew that there were different cities, towns and environments around me, but I had never been immersed in it. Moving away from everything I know I quickly learned was one of the best things for me. Despite how different the environment was, I was able to learn a lot about myself, my hometown and grow in a way I would not have been able to if I was still at home.
4. Nothing beats familiar surroundings
Don’t get me wrong, I’m so grateful for such a wonderful experience, but going home to familiar scenery, stores and restaurants is like a breath of fresh air. All the miniscule things I thought I would always have, I’ve learned to cherish. Things as simple as the red walls in my bedroom, or the weird phrases my family says; nothing beats finally coming home and relaxing.
5. It will always be home
I truly may have hated the place when I grew up. I may have counted down the years and the days until I got out, but I have learned that it truly is home. It's that place I’ve made lasting memories from the days I can remember to even now. It's where I was raised, where my family is and shares a special place in my heart. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it truly is that “home is where the heart is,” and my hometown does have my heart.
