As finals are wrapping up and students on college campuses embark on their summer journey, a certain vibe overflows the campus. In most cases it is joy and excitement because the weather is nice, classes are done and students get to head home for summer.
For me it is a love- hate relationship. Don’t get me wrong I am more than excited to head back to Kansas City, but a small piece of me is sad and not quite ready to leave.
I am excited to head home and have a change of scenery, because I have hit that time of year where the same four blocks of small town Iowa I see everyday just isn’t cutting it anymore. The same old view is making me miss my city.
I am excited to catch up and see all my friends back home, but at the same time I am sad to be leaving the ones that have surrounded me for the previous eight months.
After spending so much time in a small college town where everything you need is right in front of you it can be a bit uneasy to think about having to drive five hours to see your best friend.
One month ago she was living right on campus and I could see her in a matter of five minutes, now for the next three months she will be a weekend trip away.
It’s hard to believe that drinking every night of the week is not acceptable in your parent’s house. You can’t just walk across the street to your favorite Mexican restaurant on Marg Monday and walk home without a worry in the world. Regardless of all of this, going home is much needed and has its many perks.
When away at school we get into a routine of classes, homework, social events and free time that we sometimes forget what life back at home feels like, but the moment you arrive home for summer you realize how good life truly is.
There is no worrying about if someone is going to steal your laundry from the dryer. You don’t have to count pennies for your next meal. You don’t have to worry about over sleeping class or being late, because for three months out of the year you get to be a little more carefree. You are not cramming for exams or crunching to get a 4.0.
Although you may have a job or internship, summer is the time to just relax. It is a time to truly appreciate because sooner or later summer will be no more.
I am personally happy for summer yet sad because it means the end of another year, of the best years of my life. I am now halfway done with college and cannot even fathom leaving this place that has become my home. Every time I have to say goodbye to my sorority house, sisters, friends and college town it gets a little harder and harder.
Whether it is for summer or just a weekend it is never easy. I have made strong relationships and created great memories that I simply never want to leave behind, whether that is for three months or a lifetime. In ways this small college town has made me mature and grow. I love it and will miss it dearly for the next there months, because Indianola has truly become my home away from home and always will be.
See ya Indy in Fall 2016!
