Every time I come home for break, I feel a bittersweet feeling. I realize that I am getting older and time is moving faster and faster. Coming home for winter break is amazing. It's a breath of fresh air and an opportunity to rekindle old friendships from high school or simply spend some time with that handful of friends that you rarely get to see. It's amazing how wonderful it is to walk around Stop and Shop and run into an old acquaintance, even if the conversation doesn't last very long. You'll always feel a sense of rejuvenation.
As seniors in high school, we take the time before graduation for granted. The moment we exit those doors is the moment life hits us like an 18 wheeler blowing through a stop sign. However, it is not something to feel sad about. Winter break is bittersweet because we are only here for six weeks. Even though we become eager to go back to school, we enjoy spending nights in our hometown, laying with no worries in the world while reliving the carefree memories of growing up. Winter break, or any break, is much more than just a break from school. It is a chance to remember where we came from and to remember who we are. Most importantly, it reminds us to stay humble and stay hungry for success. Never forget where you come from. As life gets hard, you advance through your own journey and explore new things. One thing that will never change is where you came from.
However, every time I come home, it seems to me that something has changed. Big or small, something always changes. Most of the time, they are the most minuscule aspects of your childhood home that have been changed. It may be the 7-Eleven store that now occupies the small area that used to be a cafe. Or, it can be as big as the new housing development that claimed the land that stayed vacant since before you could walk.
Regardless of what it is, there is always something changing. Home is getting older just like we are. Once again, we are left with a sense of bittersweet feeling. Days go much faster now than they used to when we were wishing to be out of high school. Of course, high school is not as much fun as college, but a small part of us always misses the worry free life. All we had to worry about was waking up at 6AM to get ready for school or wondering who you are going to take to prom. Life is full of more freedom now.
Nevertheless, there is always a special place for pre-college life in our hearts. Home will always be home regardless of where life takes us. Breaks from the real world will always rejuvenate us and take us back to a time of a completely care free life. Regardless, we must always continue to push forward while anticipating our next break from school, work, or whatever it may be.
