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

6 Things Owning A Cat Has Taught Me

This one's for you, Spock.

1626
6 Things Owning A Cat Has Taught Me
Liz Abere

Owning a pet can get difficult and expensive. Sometimes, their vet bills cost hundreds of dollars just for one visit. On top of that, pets also need food, a wee wee pad for a dog, a litter box with litter for a cat, toys, and treats. Besides having to spend hundreds of dollars on them, they provide a great companion and are almost always there when you need to talk to someone. For the past six years, I have been the proud owner of my purebred Bengal cat named Spock. Although he's only seven years and four months old, he's taught me so much. Here's a few of the things that he has taught me.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Kinder Self - Eyes

You're Your Own Best Friend

3196
Kinder Self - Eyes
Pexels

It's fun to see all of the selfies on social media, they are everywhere. I see pictures with pouty lips, duck lips and pucker lips. I see smokey eyes, huge fake lashes and nicely done nose jobs, boob jobs and butt lifts. Women working out in spandex, tiny tops and flip flops. I see tight abs and firm butts, manicured nails and toes, up dos and flowing hair. "Wow", I think to myself," I could apply tons of make-up, spend an hour on my hair, pose all day and not look like that. Maybe I need a longer stick!"

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Rap Songs With A Deeper Meaning

Rap is more than the F-bomb and a beat. Read what artists like Fetty, Schoolboy Q, Drake, and 2Pac can teach you.

23094
Rap artist delivers performance on stage
Photo by Chase Fade on Unsplash

On the surface, rap songs may carry a surface perception of negativity. However, exploring their lyrics reveals profound hidden depth.Despite occasional profanity, it's crucial to look beyond it. Rap transcends mere wordplay; these 25 song lyrics impart valuable life lessons, offering insights that extend beyond the conventional perception of rap music.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

21 Drinks For Your 21st Birthday

Maybe don't try them all in one day...

3120
21 Drinks For Your 21st Birthday

My 21st birthday is finally almost here. In honor of finally turning 21, I thought I'd share 21 fun drinks since it's finally legal for me to drink them.

Some of these drinks are basic, but some of them are a little more interesting. I thought they all looked pretty good and worth trying, so choose your favorites to enjoy at your big birthday bash!

Keep Reading...Show less
Politics

Ancient Roman Kings: 7 Leaders of Early Rome

The names and dates of the reigns of the first four kings, as well as the alternation of Sabin and Latin names, are more legendary than historical. The last three kings, of Etruscan origin, have an existence which seems less uncertain.

5362
inside ancient roman building
Photo by Chad Greiter on Unsplash

It is evident that all this is only a legend although archeology shows us little by little that these kings if they did not exist as the ancient history, describes them, have at least in the very Outlines were real as chief of a shepherd’s tribe. The period when kings ruled Rome could estimate at 245 years.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments