In one of my past articles, A Day In The Life Of A Resident Assistant I described what the job of the Resident Assistant (R.A.) entails; but, what I want to focus on this week is the students that I serve. What I’ve noticed and recollected about the past couple of weeks is one of the most transformative times of my life— leaving home for the first time.
As I’ve seen multiple parents tear up at the sight of their child’s first formation of friendship, their child’s first dorm room or the moment they have to say goodbye, I began to ponder about my own experience leaving home and the highs and lows associated with this huge lifestyle change.
High #1: Freedom
Yes. The taste of freedom. No rules, no curfews, and no parental guidance. The feeling of living with no limitations to the opportunities the world has to offer. Staying up however late you want to, eating whatever you’d like, hanging out with your friends and going out to explore. The amount of decisions that are now solely yours makes you feel limitless.
When I left home for the first time, I of course exhibited all of these feelings. This was probably my first real glimpse at full independence and autonomy. Needless to say I loved every second of it.
Low #1: Homesickness
When this honeymoon phase of freedom becomes less new and exciting and more of a norm, things start to slow down. I remember sitting in my room on day just thinking, “Wow. It’s been three weeks since I’ve seen my family.” Because I like to live life fully, I never really get the opportunity to just sit down and do, quite literally, nothing. This was my first realization that I felt homesick. I mean thank God I live less than 20 miles from my university. I couldn’t imagine moving across the state, country, or even world to go to college without having a local support system and I commend those that do.
High #2: Friendships
Although my university is quite small in comparison to larger state schools in Texas, the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life, from all places around the world, and from all sorts of different backgrounds and upbringings is prevalent. I have to say all of my current friends I’ve made through interactions at my university and living away from home gave me that opportunity.
Low #2: FOMO
Some new internet lingo I’ve discovered this week is FOMO—the fear of missing out. What this means, defined by Google, is that there is anxiety associated with “an exciting or interesting event that may currently be happening elsewhere, often aroused by posts seen on social media.” In this article, written by a fellow Content Creator and friend of mine, Elizabeth Ucles, highlights FOMO and how it potentially could affect new college students.
I think FOMO highlights how at the beginning of the year with everything being new, like new surroundings and friendships, the fear of missing out may overshadow what’s truly important—you. This added pressure to go to the cool party or downtown really pressures college students to reprioritize their wants.
High #3: Figuring Out YOU
To end on a high note, moving out for the first time gives you the opportunity to grow and discover more about yourself. Since high school, which I admit has been four years ago (gosh I'm old), I have become a completely different person. From even the most minuscule things like what I wear and how I look, to bigger things like how I act, how much I've learned and where I want to go, I am completely different. Moving away from home has given me the opportunity to really become the person I was meant to be. Through the friends I've made and the college experiences, I have learned more about cultures, customs, religions, races and orientations and have become quite in-tune with myself and the world around me . Although there are some difficulties with leaving your family and friends behind, being away from home has been a completely transformative experience.
