When a senior in high school is applying for college, there are many factors to take into consideration. How far are you willing to travel for your school? Do you decide to dorm or commute? What are your potential part-time job opportunities? Which of the colleges provides you with the best financial aid package? The list goes on and on. I believe the biggest influence is your family. Are you able to sustain being away from your family for semesters at a time? More importantly, how do your family members feel? How are they affected? Is it possible that there are both negative and positive affects?
From a parent's perspective, I would imagine that it is very hard to send your child off in the world.
"When I left for college, my mom felt lonely being at home, since it's just me and her in the household. There were many times she would be at work, crying because she missed my presence. She also had to become the 'man' of the house, because I was no longer there," said Buffalo State Student, Jerome Willis.
"When I first left, my mom and dad were somewhat proud since I'm the first on both sides to attend, but I did notice a worrisome look of my dad's face, maybe because I was leaving home to be all on my own," said Keuka College student, Jitiya King.
Though our parents are sad for our departure, I honestly believe this whole transition can be classified as a bittersweet moment. Our parents know they can't keep us under their wing forever, so when that time approaches, it's time for us to fly away.
I decided to speak with my own mother, Jerrina Walker, to see her viewpoint on sending her children to college. So far, she has sent two of us.
"I am proud of my children as they excel and grow into their own. Every parent wants to see their child succeed and out do them. It was an adjustment not having (my children) around," said Walker.
Of course our parents are affected tremendously, but what about our brothers and sisters? All our life, we're so used to waking up to everyone being there, and after that high school graduation, all that changes.
When my oldest sister went off to college, I felt heartbroken. I had shared a room with her almost all my life up until that point, so I was used to having her right there. The feeling of her being gone didn't register to me right away. It wasn't until I walked into what used to be our room and saw the emptiness. I literally sat on my bed and cried. Her home visits were always truly appreciated though! I am now the college student who is away, so when I do go home, being around my mother and siblings is very important.
I spoke with my 8-year-old sister, Ayasha Cherry-Fayton, who expressed her sadness to that fact that two out of her three older sisters had gone off to college. I asked why she felt so bad and sad.
"I didn't have my sister to talk to," responded Cherry-Fayton.
She felt uncomfortable because she was the only female child in the house among four other boys on a regular basis. I assured her everything would be better once this semester is over.
No matter the age -- older or younger -- our brothers and sisters are affected by us leaving home. But, it's not always a negative effect.
"My younger brother was happy for me. We definitely got closer since I left for school, since he's the only one in the house. We cherish our time together," said Buffalo State student Ashley Steele.
"My younger siblings were excited for me as well. They're both in high school and already decided that college wasn't going to be for them. So watching me go was probably one of the biggest achievements they've ever seen me do," said King.
What we can take from this, is appreciation. No matter how far you go away, home is always there. In that home are people who love and cherish you, and hope greatly for your success!
