Distance never felt so good.
If anyone knows me, they are probably surprised that I am even writing this article. I, too, am shocked that I am writing this article. When I first applied to college, I couldn’t grasp the reality that I was leaving my home, the place that I spent the majority of life. But once I moved to college and got more comfortable being in a different place, I realized that I don't miss home and that’s OK.
Now before you think I am some cold-hearted person, let me just say that like everyone else, I went through that homesickness phase in the beginning of the semester. It was extremely hard for me to find my niche. I remember calling up my two good friends from back home crying and telling them how much I hated being away from then. But, eventually I did find my place. And you know what? I met the most incredible people who taught me how to have fun and to distract me from missing home. Don’t get me wrong, I have incredible friends back home, and while they are always only a phone call or text away, I needed people closer to me.
Recently, when I came back home for winter break, I realized that I did not miss home. Sure, I missed the home cooked meals, bagels, my mom, and of course the people that I kept in contact with while I was away. But to be honest, the other things that I came home to, I did not miss. For starters, I didn’t miss the boredom that came with living on Long Island. Since I could not drive anywhere, I found myself bored with nothing to do after work. I couldn’t just walk next door to my friend’s dorm room and say “hey, let’s go out”. I also did not miss the people that I shut out of my life completely. I recently went to go visit my high school friends and teachers at school and I ran into my enemy that was once my friend and one glare from her brought back some harsh memories from high school that I chose to forget. After about two weeks of being home, I found myself counting down the days until I was able to go back to school.
Moving to college was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. It was sort of a wakeup call telling me that there is more out there for me. To be honest, it was a way for me to start a new chapter in my life. I know a lot of people say they miss home and it seems like it’s abnormal to say you don’t miss home. But, believe me when I say this, it’s ok not to miss home. Of course you’ll miss your friends and the home cooked meals every day, but know that all of that will be there when you come back. It’s not going anywhere. But what will disappear is the moments and opportunities that you choose not to seize in your new place.
