Imagine this: finals are over, you’re stress-free for the first time in months, you’re laying on the couch with all your dogs while your mom cooks dinner. Sounds pretty nice right? All these things can happen when you finally finish that grueling first semester of college. All the things you missed are now at your fingertips and you couldn’t be more excited.
I looked forward for the day I could come back home from college. As much as I hate to admit it, I was pretty homesick. My first semester of college threw me some pretty big curve balls, but I wouldn’t change it for anything. Things got more difficult as I was faced with more challenges, but I always made it through.
Coming home to me means a lot of things. Seeing my dogs, who I missed laying in bed with and waking up to slobbery kisses. Hanging out on my mom and dad’s bed just talking and providing comfort when I get sad. Eating a meal that isn’t a can of spaghetti or popcorn. Finally meeting up with all your hometown friends telling stories of your first semester away from each other.
Going away to college is hard. Scratch that. Going away to college is extremely hard. You miss things, people, and places you never thought you would. Coming home for the holidays is that one time you can show your family your growth. How much you’ve achieved in the past 5 months. You were out on your own, so change is inevitable, so we might as well embrace it.
I know how exhausting it can be sharing the same stuff over and over again, but trust me if people ask it means they care. Just like you’re excited to be home, others are too. With you not being home in nearly 3 months people will miss you and want to make sure you’re okay. Don’t take these things for granted.
While on break, catch up on some self care as well. Sleep in, eat well, watch your favorite tv shows. A break is meant to be a mental reset, so give yourself time to fully bask in it and start off next semester right.