So you finally completed your first semester of college. After experiencing your first all-nighters, eating fast food and cereal all hours of the night, and encountering different personalities while making new friends, congratulations for surviving and coming out of your first semester stronger than you were before you entered the collegiate world. Now it’s time to go home. Unlike high school, you have the entire month to do whatever you’d like without the thought of assignments to distract you. Yea, that’s freedom. However, with going back home, many college students find that life after one semester can change one’s perspective of home. These are six statements you might expect to hear from others or even for yourself during this Christmas break as you adjust to life back home.
1. “You look different.”
Four months away from home can seriously change a person. Whether you packed on some pounds after taking considerable advantage of meal plans or you lost some weight due to all of the running you did around campus (or meals you might’ve forgot to eat due to all the assignments that distracted you), you are guaranteed to receive comments about your appearance from those who haven’t seen you in a while.
2. “You’ve changed.”
Although 4-5 months is not too long, adjusting to a new environment can be a challenge for anyone. After being on your own for a while, it’s normal to feel strange at home, especially when you’ve adjusted to being on your own. It could especially be difficult when family/friends expect you to be the same person you were when you embarked on your new journey. Don’t worry. It’s completely normal to feel different. It might actually be a good thing. Change is the path of growth.
3. “We haven’t talked in a while.”
It’s tempting to feel guilty about not talking to old friends as often as you used to. Despite the effort to stay connected, it seems as if that the people that you were so close to in high school are more difficult to connect with. Even though it could be upsetting, just know that those friends that you graduated with are also on a journey. Some people are with you for a lifetime. Some people remain only for a season.
4. “There’s nothing to eat.”
It isn’t until you go back home that you appreciate the meal plan. Although there are some people that go home to amazingly crafted meals daily, I’ve learned that I won’t always get a five-course meal when I get home. Parents still work, you know. Therefore, if you get hungry, let the break be an opportunity to cook.
5. “I’m not ready to go back to school.”
Finals are over. No school. No weird roommate. Just Netflix and ice cream and sweet, wonderful sleep. Yes, take advantage while you have the chance.
6. “I’m ready to go back to school.”
Everyone has a different experience, but I know after the second or third week of being home, I was ready to go back to school. Why? For starters, after being on my own for the first time, it was weird having to ask permission to go places, and it was difficult to adjust to my parents’ constant questioning of what I was doing/where I was going. It’s not a bad thing if it happens to you. It just means that your parents care. However, I felt recharged and ready to be back on my own.
Again, everyone has their different experiences. One thing I do know is that time passes by fast, and those moments you get with your loved ones are precious. While you are on break, take the time to reflect on how far you’ve come while being sensitive to the fact that your growing and maturing is an adjustment for your family. If things seem rough right now, it’s okay. Things will get better. Have a great Christmas!
