Although I have few complaints about my first semester of college, I cannot deny my excitement for the rapidly approaching Thanksgiving break. From food to friends to family, nearly every freshman is itching to reunite with all of their favorite aspects of home. However, these feelings turn slightly bittersweet when the realization of holiday conversations arises. The daunting expectation of the endless array of insistent and repetitive questions to come are almost enough to ruin your appetite for your mom’s famous mashed potatoes — not quite though. Here are some of the dreaded questions every college freshman is bound to encounter.
1. "Uh … so … how's college life?"
This question is probably coming from that one uncle that you have little besides your last name in common with and little more topics of conversation than school or the meal in front of you. The conversation will probably fade after you reply, “Good!” and he nods his head and flashes an uncomfortable smile. Whoever the relative(s), be patient with them. Even though you may not be that close, they wouldn't ask if they didn't care.
2. "How are your classes/professors? Harder than high school?"
You'll definitely hear this one from at least one of your older relatives. Classes are classes; school is school. It’s never going to be fun. Of course it’s harder than high school. Isn't that the point? However, despite the difference in difficulty, the level of interest in the courses that you chose is likely much greater. Professors are hit or miss, just like high school. You wont tell them all of this, though. You don't even wanna talk or think about school or the rapidly approaching finals awaiting your return to campus, and why would you? You’ll probably just summarize your experiences so far with, “It’s hard, but good!”
3. "How's the food?"
This question is probably asked by the aunt currently placing her incredible stuffing on the table in front of you or your picky-eating little cousin waiting for your aunt to heat up his mac and cheese in the microwave. The sight and smell of that processed/artificial cheese that you've probably been living off of for weeks now nauseates you. Between microwave meals, pizza deliveries and Uber rides to the sushi place in town, you've successfully avoided your practically inedible dining hall at any chance presented to you. To avoid an altercation with your family paying for your meal plan, you keep it simple with, “Not too great, but I manage,” which isn't necessarily false!
4. "Not partying too much, are you?"
Either a question of actual concern from your conservative aunt or asked sarcastically by your favorite older cousin. A sense of guilt surges in your probably already uneasy hungover stomach. After telling all your friends from home your endless stories from the past three months just a few days before, it’s ironic that the question leaves you speechless. The only safe response in a room full of your relatives without lying is an awkward laugh.
5. "Where's the boyfriend/girlfriend?"
Most definitely from your persistent grandmother who's pestered you with this question since the age of 13; it may be my least favorite of the list. Responses may vary, but the discomfort is pretty consistent. Instead of getting overtly uncomfortable, tell grandma that you're far to busy with school to waste time on somebody else and move onto the next topic as swiftly as possible.
6. "How's dorming?"
What’s it like moving in with complete strangers, sharing a bathroom with 40 girls and never having food in the fridge? It’s exactly like it sounds, *insert sarcastic uncle’s name here.* You won’t complain too much, though, because as annoying as it may be, theres something strangely enjoyable about it. Maybe it’s your new best friends living just down the hall or the sense of independence. Whatever the reason may be, your closet of a room has quickly turned into home.
7. "Did you miss us?"
Yes, and you should tell them that. They missed you too. As much as we all hate to admit it, we miss the comfort of our family's chaos. The dread of these questions comes alongside an underlying sense of excitement. As fun as your first semester was thus far, the relief of the return to normalcy is undeniably refreshing. Even if you never quite realized or never confessed it, something inside of you craved the reunion. At least I did.
