As a first-year college student, I can think back upon my time in high school and laugh at the moments in which I thought I was capable of being on my own. During the years when I busted my butt to maintain decent grades, balance sports and even try to fit in with everyone else, I remember how excited I was to leave home and venture into a new life. Although college is everything I expected and more, there are moments when I lie in my homey yet not so homey bed and reminisce on the comfort home always brought me. As the holiday seasons are approaching there are certain things I start to remember about home that are patiently awaiting my return.

Mom’s cooking

I know it’s cliché and a basic thing to miss but as much as I complained at home, spinach leaves consuming my plate sounds quite appetizing right now, and with fall in the air, coming home to a smelly dorm is not as appealing as the scent of warm pumpkin bread that floods the kitchen.

The one spot on the couch I always sat in

The corner seat was by far my favorite as it provided comfort and warmth from both angles while also giving me enough room to sprawl out when in need of a nap. That spot on the couch has supported me through illness, boredom, and several movie marathons, watching me grow from the stage of making forts to stressing over whatever small thing life had thrown in the way.

My room

It was a safe space I never had to share with anyone and if I was sharing, it would be during sleepovers with some of my best friends. There was honestly no better feeling than coming home from a stressful day at life, plopping myself in bed and not having to worry about responding to the obligations outside of my white door.

The Ocean

I’ve never realized how much I appreciated the harbor view until it was taken away from me. The salty mist that fills the air on a cold and wet morning is an image that can never be erased from my mind. It was a soothing start to the early mornings as everything seemed to be at peace and motionless.

Familiar faces

Everywhere I went there was someone I knew. At the time, I grew frustrated with this as I was ready for new experiences with new people, but thinking back on it now, it was nice to casually bump into that one person I’ve known since first grade and feel comfort in knowing that they’d probably always be there for me.

Driving

There's a sense of freedom that becomes lost when I’m stuck with the options of paying for an Uber or waiting for a shuttle that only brings me three miles off campus.

Although we are all enjoying our time away from home and parents, there’s nothing like the sweet welcome home into a familiar and comforting environment. To all the high school seniors who are itching to pack their bags and grow up, don’t take for granted the time you have left as I promise it will be the most memorable and bittersweet time of your life.