Going home after being at college for three months can be very difficult - especially when extended family is involved. While being in college, values and rationales from childhood have been tested; students are now, to some degree, on their own. It is that awkward time when we are treated like adults when it is convenient and children all the same. For most, Thanksgiving is the first time many have spent more than a weekend at home since they left. The extra time at home can either be really good or not as fun and can be a potential precursor to how the much longer Winter break may unfold. I have some suggestions on surviving being at home for the break:
1. Take homework
Finals are less than a month away and as much as you want a break, we could all probably do a little studying. If your family really begins to become too much just take some time and get a head start on that studying. One of my favorite things to do his visit a local coffee shop to work on it, which lets me get away and get out of the house.
2. Read the news
I would take some time and make sure what is happening the world. Especially with the news of the recent election, it's bound to come up in family conversation at some point. If you want to be included in the conversation as well as be able to hold your own, if you will, you need to be informed. One thing to take into consideration is if you are more of an opinionated person, practice restraint- even when differentiating opinions are floating about the conversation. Vice versa, if you are quieter, take some time and share your feelings about it with your family regardless of what they agree with.
3. Spend time with old friends
When many go to school the forget about friends from high school. Too many times I have seen people not communicate with people because think the other is apathetic. Take some time and grab lunch or coffee with someone. You may learn a lot from new perspectives on the way that college has revealed itself to them.
4. Get out old consoles
One of my favorite things to do when I'm at home, is get out the Nintendo 64 or the Gamecube. It can be a great thing that makes the time fly and brings back some joys from childhood. It can also be a great way to bring people together to play them together.
5. Keep an open mind
At the end of the day, you're only going to be there for five days at the most. Just stay positive and try to help out when you can and it'll be over soon.
