Oh the mix of emotions as you leave home for the first time! No, I'm not talking about going over to a friends house to spend the night or going on vacation, but home -- the place where your heart is. Your family. Your friends. Your pets. Home, the place you've known your entire life. The place where you can completely be yourself and let your guard down. The place where you're free to laugh as loud as you want, cry when you need to, raid your refrigerator and steal sips of your mom's diet Mountain Dew every morning and allow her to wonder if she's really drank that much already. Home.
Believe me, I know the feeling of being the homesick freshman although I refused to admit I was. I know the feeling of crying yourself to sleep, and wanting to call your parents to come get you but refusing to succumb to that sort of "weakness," as some perceive it. I know the feeling of waking up and wondering where your cat is that has slept on the pillow beside you every night since you were five. I know the feeling of looking forward to your usual morning coffee routine with your mom where you talk about your plans for the day and quickly realizing that you're not there with her; you're here. Trust me when I say, I know the feeling.
However, I also know the feeling of overcoming this homesickness and to me, it was relatively easy once I put myself out there in my college community. I found a great friend group that encouraged me everyday -- we studied together, walked to class together, we prayed together, we ate together; we became a part of each other and soon, they became the better part of me. I joined an intramural beach volleyball team as well as a softball team where I submersed myself in a group of strangers who soon became teammates and friends. I worked out four to five days a week which helped relieve my anxiety and stress levels and I went to the library most days as well so I could focus on my studies. I created my own schedule because I accepted that this was my life now and it was a great one at that.
But, to me, one of the best things that I ever made a part of my newfound life and schedule was the five minutes I sat aside everyday the last two months of the school year to talk to God. These five minutes allowed my mind to relax and gave me the renewed strength to get through my day. Not only this, but these five minutes strengthened my relationship with God immensely and I began to make it a goal of mine to notice and thank Him and for His work as much as I could throughout the day. When it was a sunny day, I thanked Him. When it was raining, I thanked Him and for the shelter he provided for me. When the temperature was high, I thanked Him for the breeze and when it was cold, I thanked Him for the clothes on my back. These small acts of thanks, I truly believe, made my last months at school some of the best. And what's more beautiful than that? Knowing as you grow, you're living the path that God has chosen for you.
Although I was homesick at one point during my freshman year, I learned so many valuable lessons that I will carry with me. As I approach my sophomore year at a university that I am blessed to call home, I have full confidence that this year will be one for the books. And you, friend, you will get to this point as well.
So, to the sweet homesick freshman, take it from a person just like yourself, it will get better if you put yourself out there and try; I promise.