The definition of the word "home" is this; the place where one lives permanently. As my sophomore year of college creeps up on me, I have come to the realization that this is far from the truth.
The word "home" to me, carries so much more meaning and depth than that plain definition. Home is not 4 walls, it is not pictures on the wall or dishes in the sink. It is simply the people you surround yourself with. College is far from home, but I couldn't feel more at home than when I'm with all of my friends in our tiny space that we occupy temporarily. Of course, my home will always be where I grew up, where I went to high school and where my family is. But once its time for you to pack your bags and head to another state, or to college, or move somewhere you aren’t familiar with, you have to learn how to feel at home when you aren’t actually at home.
It’s so hard to leave a familiar place. Harder than you could imagine…even if you think you are so ready for this next chapter and ready for a change. I have also come to the realization that you will only feel at home in new and strange places if you put yourself out there. Change is intimidating and just flat out terrifying. The best thing you can do for yourself is find who makes you the youest you there ever was; people who make you laugh, lend you a shoulder to cry on and support you in all of your endeavors. That is where you will find your home away from home.
An important part in finding this "home" is trusting and believing in yourself. It is easier for said than done to just jump right into a new club or class and find people who resemble you and bring out the best in you. You often have to do lots of soul searching and determine who you want to be and learn more about yourself in this new place. The rest will come naturally. Heck, it took me a whole four months to find out where "home" was for me (or should I say who).
A house is a place where one lives permanently. A home is support, I'll-always-have-your-back, a shoulder to cry on and people who will love you unconditionally.
