Redefining What It Means to Be Home
Start writing a post
Student Life

Redefining What It Means to Be Home

Perhaps it isn't a place at all.

15
Redefining What It Means to Be Home

As hard as this is to say, before coming to college, I was not as close to my family as many of my friends were. Don't get me wrong, I would share almost-everything with my mom, have wonderful conversations with my father, and play "FIFA 14 " with my older brother. But when the opportunity came to have a family movie night or get lunch with my brother, my answer tended to be no . It just didn't appeal to me.

Being two years younger than my brother, I watched him go off to college and get closer to our parents because of it. Stuck in high school, I desperately wanted to reap that same reward. He would tell me how incredible college is and that it changed how he thought of home. I didn't really understand what he meant, but after my first semester it clicked.

When I went home for winter break, I found myself eager to shop with my mom, talk fraternity with my dad, and grab pizza with my brother. Finally, I recognized them for the constancy and support system that they are. I guess my brother was right; College does change how we think of home, and perhaps it isn't a place at all.

A famous proverb reads,

"Your home will always be the place for which your feel the deepest affection, no matter where you are."

For me, I am home when I am with my family. With them, everything else melts away—anxiety, doubt, fear of judgement. I leave these things at the door. My home is synonymous with acceptance and nourishment. It is the place I feel most comfortable.

Home can move, too. It is not permanent or stationary. No, home is a fluid thing, fluctuating with each direction life takes us. Though I've always felt at home with my family, even before coming to college, it was this new distance that created a deeper connection. It took feeling homesick to find my home.

Another thing to think about is the difference between a house and a home. A house is a structure; It has walls and a roof over our head. A home, however, is different; It is more personal. Houses become homes when they breed comfort and radiate love. My house could burn down and I'd still have a home—my family. Take them away, and I'd truly be homeless.

The other day, I asked my friend, "Where do you feel at home?" He responded with, "My best friend's couch." He then went on to say, "I don't really know why, but I heard 'home' and immediately thought of that couch." It's incredible how differently he thinks of home. Perhaps, for him it is a place.

That's what is so eye opening. Home to you means something extraordinarily different than home to me. Take pride in this difference and hold close whatever it is you call home.


My brother graduates college in May. He landed an incredible job in Pittsburgh and is looking for a place to live. I can't help but think back to four years ago when I was still stuck in high school. Remember what my brother told me? College changes how we think of home .

I still want to ask him, "What about the real world? What happens to my home when I'm finished with college?" I won't, though. No, I will figure it out for myself.

For as long as I have my family, I will always find my way home.

Where do you feel at home?


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

A Beginner's Wine Appreciation Course

While I most certainly do not know everything, I feel like I know more than the average 21-year-old about vino, so I wrote this beginner's wine appreciate course to help YOU navigate the wine world and drink like a pro.

1051
Pexels


Keep Reading... Show less

Who doesn't love ice cream? People from all over the world enjoy the frozen dessert, but different countries have their own twists on the classic treat.

Keep Reading... Show less

As any other person on this planet, it sometimes can be hard to find the good in things. However, as I have always tried my hardest to find happiness in any and every moment and just generally always try to find the best in every situation, I have realized that your own happiness is much more important than people often think. Finding the good in any situation can help you to find happiness in some of the simplest and unexpected places.

Keep Reading... Show less
Christmas

Remember The True Meaning of Christmas

“Where are you Christmas? Why can’t I find you?”

7177

It’s everyone’s favorite time of year. Christmastime is a celebration, but have we forgotten what we are supposed to be celebrating? There is a reason the holiday is called Christmas . Not presentmas. Not Santamas. Not Swiftmas. Christmas.

boy standing in front of man wearing santa claus costume Photo by __ drz __ on Unsplash



What many people forget is that there is no Christmas without Christ . Not only is this a time to spend with your family and loved ones, it is a time to reflect on the blessings we have gotten from Jesus. After all, it is His birthday.


Keep Reading... Show less

Anyone who knows me knows how much I adore my dog . I am constantly talking about my love for her. I attribute many of my dog's amazing qualities to her breed. She is a purebred Golden Retriever, and because of this I am a self-proclaimed expert on why these are the best pets a family could have. Here are 11 reasons why Goldens are the undisputed best dog breed in the world.

Keep Reading... Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments