You’re a freshman. You’ve emerged from your cocoon to become a radiant butterfly. Well, you’re a slightly fatter caterpillar who knows how to use a bong, but what is important is that you’re different. You’ve struck out on your own and left home to spread your wings.
And now you have to go back.
For those of us not smiled upon by fortune with a summer internship or co-op, summer is a mixed bag, especially if you live in the middle of nowhere.
Because you’re glad to catch up...
“Hey man, how’ve you been? College? Cool, me too!”
…But you might not have much in common with them anymore.
“Still doing the thing we used to do together in high school? No? That’s OK. Do you want to keep making small talk before we never speak again, or do we want to just cut our losses and walk away now?”
You’re glad to see your parents again...
It’s nice having adults with a vested interest in keeping you alive and well. Plus, dorm food doesn’t hold a candle to Mom’s meatloaf.
…But you remember why you were so pumped to leave.
It’s hard living with a roommate who can (and will) pull the “I gave birth to you” card. And on what planet is Saturday morning an acceptable time to vacuum?
It’s nice to take it easy...
No one’s pulling all-nighters during the summer (in a good way).
…But not that easy.
No one’s pulling all nighters during the summer (in a lame way).
Visiting your old haunts is a nice nostalgia trip...
There’s your favorite deli! There’s the old chapel! Look at the park! It’s like nothing changed!
…But nostalgia gets old quick.
Oh my god, it’s like nothing changed.
Small towns are adorably quaint...
There aren’t a lot of places where the economy is based around farming and antique shops.
…But sometimes it feels like you're living in Amish country.
Is it really a respectable food establishment if it doesn’t deliver calzones at 4 a.m.?
You get to see your dog again...
He is all fur and love and everything right with the world.
…But being responsible for another living thing is hard.
It has been enough of a struggle to keep yourself alive for the past nine months.
You can hang out with your siblings...
They’re like parents you can actually talk to!
…But bickering doesn't stop when you become adults.
It might not be over who plays with what toy, but the arguments are no less petty.
Overall, you love being home...
There’s nothing like going back to the place you grew up in.
…But you cannot wait for the fall.
You know your childhood is dead when you’re actually excited to go back to school.
