Commuting and college are two things you never would imagine when you think about beginning your college career. But for some people it's a reality. Whether its because you live so close to the college of your choice or you just can't afford to live on campus if you commute, you miss out on a lot.
To my friends who live on campus:
You guys are so so lucky, I would give my left leg to be able to wake up at 11:45 to walk to my 12 p.m. class. To be able to roll out of bed and learn something new in pajamas is a luxury I simply can't afford. Being able to carry nothing in my book bag but the book I need for my one class is something of a dream. Don't get me wrong, coming out of college with a little less debt than you is something that I'll be grateful for in the long run-but right now I feel like I'm missing out.
The experience of a commuter compared to an on campus student is remarkable. Even the commuters don't really know who their fellow commuters are. Sometimes you can pick us out of the crowd: bulging backpacks, tired eyes, and our uncanny ability to look like a human being at 8 in the morning. But beyond that the question of who commutes and who doesn't is always up in the air.
I can't even count how many times I've introduced myself saying "Hi, I'm Heather and I commute." I feel like that's the stigma that's placed on us because everyone assumes that you live on campus and look at you like you have multiple heads when you say you don't.
But I want to thank you. Thank you for the countless times you let me sleep in your room, sign me into the dorms, or guest swipe me into the dining hall. The few friends I have that live on campus are some of the best people I know. You guys are the reason that I can have a semi-normal college experience. You guys are the reason I can come over on a Saturday night go out and not have to worry about finding a way home. You lovely, lovely, people are the reason I don't starve when I forgot my wallet because my mind was in a thousand places before I left my house. Even if I only eat a slice of pizza and a plate of fries you never hesitate to swipe me in.
The nights where I have so much work to do and I know I would get none of it done at home you're always willing to let me spend the night. Without you guys my procrastination would swallow me whole and I never would be able to pass a class. For that you guys are the real MVPs.
I'll never be able to thank you guys enough for all you do for me to make college a little more bearable. But smiling and laughing when you introduce me as a commuter is and always will be the best form of repayment.
