There are two types of people in this world – people who are sad for high school to end and people who are literally counting down the days until they can throw their graduation caps in the air, and with it any dreadful memories of the past four years. I found myself in the latter group, and as I crossed off the days on the calendar until my final high school moment, I simultaneously disregarded what I would miss the most once I got to where I wanted to be.

I was, admittedly, over-anxious for college. Granted, my time at college has so far been one of my happiest and most meaningful experiences. However, I would be lying if I said I didn’t regret wishing away my days at home. I realized this in full when two of my friends from home, now seniors in high school, came to visit me. I gave them a tour of my sorority house, accompanied them to a frat party and ultimately ignited in them the curse that I was deemed with of so eagerly wanting to be away from home for good. I was happy to introduce to them the college experience, but each time they expressed their dislike of high school and desire to get away, I couldn’t help but become a bit jealous. They were able to experience the fun of college and then go home back to their normal, comfortable lives.

I love my school for everything it has done for me in only a little over a year. The relationships I’ve formed, my experiences thus far and the opportunities I’ve been granted are things I can’t imagine my life without. With the benefits of college, however, come the realities of life – the things that pictures in bars and frats don't tell you.

College is hard.

While that may sound obvious, the challenge isn’t merely the schoolwork. High school (if you did it right) is hard, and the workload doesn’t necessarily change in college. It is the balancing of school and an extremely tempting and demanding social life that present issues. As fun as it is to be able to go out during the week, there are nights that I miss being able to go to bed early and on my own schedule.

3 tests and a paper and 3 social events this week…?

The food will not be as good as Mom’s.

While at home you’d rather order a pizza or go out as opposed to having a home-cooked meal, at school you'll literally dream of your favorite food from home. The food at college is not only (mostly) unhealthy, it’s simply not the quality of Mom’s. Each time I’m on the phone with my mom, I ask her what she’s cooking for dinner. When I come home for breaks, I put her to work and have her cook me everything I’ve missed the past 4 months. You will worry about gaining weight from the college food, and you will miss the comfort of the food from home.

Literally the thought of pizza again…

Greek life doesn’t make college a fantasy.

Greek life is, in my opinion, one of the greatest parts of college. My sorority has changed my life for the better, and I have never been more grateful for an organization. At the same time, Greek life is a commitment. It isn’t constant indulgence in an uninhibited social life; truly, it is an investment. In a sorority or fraternity, you invest time and money in keeping an organization strong, alive and at its best, as well as indulging in philanthropy, politics and the community as a whole - plus the minimum GPA requirement. Those in Greek life have a job to fulfill, though that job is extremely worth the cost.

This isn’t realistic of everyday frat life.

You’ll call home (or at least want to) more than you’ll admit.

At home, parents’ opinions are always there and often unwanted. At college, however, they're advice – and even just hearing their voices – becomes something to be treasured. When the stress of school overwhelms you, or when you need to write a check, or even when you just need to feel the comfort of home, Mom and Dad will be there for you. And you’ll miss them. A lot. Although the independence of college is a luxury, it is also a responsibility and a lifestyle change that takes time to get used to.

You’ll appreciate where you grew up.

Despite any of my (many) previous shots against my hometown, I am sincerely thankful for growing up in a place that provided me the comfort of a home and the strength to be able to go out and find a new one. College is overwhelming: campuses are intimidating, professors aren’t always personable and, bottom line, you don’t know everyone around you. At home, you’re given the comfort of peers who have grown up with you, teachers who know you personally and a community that has a hand in creating who you are. True, it is easy to find a niche at college and create a community of your own. However, the community you grew up in is the one that will always welcome you with open arms, and the one that you will appreciate the most.

When finals take over and winter break is somewhat in reach…

College is the most magical four years of your life where you get to educate yourself about the world and about who you are as a person. Nowhere else will you be handed the opportunities and experiences that will inevitably shape you into a more well-rounded, successful human being. However, home will always be the most important part of your being and what you will come to appreciate once it no longer surrounds you. Enjoy your time at home, and use it to prepare for the even better, but more challenging, time away - it will arrive sooner than you can believe.

Sincerely,

A College Kid