As I've probably mentioned in every article I've written on here, I go to college in the same town I grew up in for 15 years. And because campus is only 15 minutes away from my home, I go there...quite a lot. Probably a bit too much for a first year student who should be socializing and networking more.

The first semester was a bit excessive; I would go home every single weekend, without fail. Why, you ask? Because Fall on UGA campus didn't initially appeal to me. I wasn't into the football games (I know, sue me). I didn't have many friends outside of my classes. But those class friends have now turned into real friends, so I am making progress. I was usually exhausted by the end of the week after a full schedule with 17 credit hours and all that I wanted on a Friday night was a shower in my own bathroom and a good night's rest in my own bed.

Don't get me wrong- there were attempts made to become more involved and to actually "get a life" outside of academics. UGA Union does a fantastic job of creating student-centered events and activities to get lazy bug bookworms like me out of bed and active on campus. I went to a couple Dawgs After Dark events, but even those were only with friends I had known since middle school. I honestly sucked at being a college freshman. I never was drawn to join any sororities or social groups, so I just minded my own business, took care of my work, and left campus as soon as my 11 am class ended on Fridays.

When I went home, I always had a busy weekend though. My Saturdays and Sundays were either filled with homework or family events or Athens Farmers Market work. On top of that, I also enjoyed the occasional TV show binge with a pint of ice cream on the good old couch that comforted me through 15 APs in high school. We've got a really strong bond, my couch and I. It's not just my couch though. My home is...well, my home. At least here in the United States. To be really honest, it's been my home for the majority of my life. I have had so many great memories with my family there and a lot of not so great memories too.

I know I'm a homebody, and living on campus this year has been a really great experience for me to learn how to balance life and to take of the things I need to. But it's also been really nice getting my laundry done at home and having endless home cooked meals. I can understand how an out-of-state student would be head-over-heels for Athens weekends, but they're not usually my cup of tea unless my closest friends are back in town.

I promise I'm working on changing that this semester. I've started only going home on Saturday mornings around 10 am, so that means I only spend one night in my comfy Tempur Pedic bed. And I've started becoming way more involved with making friends and finding organizations to be a part of. I'm putting my time on campus to use, because when I move back home next year, I'll need to use the networking skills I will hopefully learn this semester.

So yes, I go home a lot. And it's okay, but I actually hate it. Why don't you?