Going Away To College Brought Me Closer To My Family
Start writing a post
Relationships

Going Away To College Brought Me Closer To My Family

The time spent apart makes the time spent together happier and more memorable.

226
Going Away To College Brought Me Closer To My Family
Rebecca Wagner

When I was picking a college/university to attend, I was hoping to go somewhere kind of far away.

I specifically wanted to be far enough away that I wouldn't be stuck with the same people I've known for at least the past four years in high school, but I wanted to stay close enough where I could come home for a weekend if needed and it wouldn't be an impossible task.

I found my happy medium at Susquehanna University, approximately 200 miles from my house.

I knew being that far away would cause my best friends and me to become closer, but I had no idea that I would grow closer to my family as well.

I am the youngest of four in a family of six. When I started college, one of my sisters and my twin brother were also attending college.

That left only my parents and my oldest sister at home when school was in session.

When I was away at school, I was also alone.

I made friends of course, but I feel like there's no way for your friends to give you the same sense of family that your actual family gives.

When I come home from school, I help out around the house more than I did in high school, partially because I can't do those things at school.

I learned to appreciate doing certain chores at home because nobody else would do them (partially due to time constraints) such as cleaning the stove top or cleaning out the fridge.

When I do come home, I don't have a job to go to or anything, leaving me home all day to do the things that my parents and sister don't necessarily want to do after a long day at work.

I've noticed my dad appreciates me more now that I've learned to do these things and he actually seems happy when I come home.

Another very important factor in my getting closer to my family is my age and maturity. College really has made me see things in a different light and I can think more like an adult; in other words, more like them.

Being away from my family for months at a time makes the time we do spend together feel even better. I feel happier with my family now (part of which could have to do with taking a break from them).

I have always loved my family, I just love and appreciate them more now. There are things that I never realized weren't "normal" in a family until talking with people from different backgrounds.

Bringing these things to light means I get to be grateful for them while also recognizing them.

You can't choose your family, but sometimes you get what you want in one anyway.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

40109
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

24696
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

950496
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

130927
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments