Here are some common things we, as students, miss when we come home from college.
1. Being able to go out when you want
It's not so surprising that coming home to our parent(s) or guardian(s) that they have expectations we should follow. I mean, we do live under their roofs afterall. Many guardians will set curfews or even stop their kids from going out. Well, it is understandable, then, for us to miss going out when we want to, without being asked fifty times or having restrictions set.
2. ...Where you want
In college, we go where we want. Hopefully we make the right decisions. However, parents have to realize that we have the ability to choose, now. Most of us can tell right from wrong. While we appreciate your opinions and love for us, sometimes we just want to be left alone.
3. ...For how long you want
Curfews are fine -- obviously you want to know that we will be home, at least by a specific time. After all, there are lots of drunk drivers out during the late night/early morning hours. However, you don't need to check on us every couple of minutes. We are adults. Hopefully responsible ones. Give us some freedom to make the choices for ourselves.
4. Not having to answer your phone constantly
Miss the days where we did not need a phone for anything? Where we didn't have to have it on us all the time? Same. But alas, our parents want to know where we are. We get it, you want to know what we're up to. Trust us to check in with you. We are adults and should be acting like one.
5. Being able to walk everywhere
Those long walks to downtown, to Wegmans, or even just accross campus various times-- we miss them. Now, instead of unique, local shops, we've got the big corporations and more CO2. If you miss walking, or just not using a car, try and bike to places more often! Sometimes you'll get lost and discover interesting places along the way.
6. Your friends
We miss our friends, our roommates, our professors-- we miss it all. We miss having our best friends down the hall or just across the way. We miss coming home to our best friend and roommate. We miss the professor in class to made us laugh every morning at 8:00 am. We miss the people we would see on the way to and from classes. We miss it all.
7. The campus
We miss the campus! All those beautiful, unique buildings. All the birdges and water-fountains and walkways and trees. It just feels like home away from home. Or maybe even like real home.
8. The opportunities
We miss the various opportunities to get involved with the community, but we know there are local opportunities. We just have the seek them out. Send a few emails, check the papers or online-- sometimes great things are awaiting for you.
9. A break
We all need a break from the constant togetherness. All families have their differences. Whether it is constant screaming and fighting or constant questioning-- we need a break. At college, we have that break. And for some of us, while we enjoy coming home, it's never felt so good to have that break.
10. Everything
We just miss the independence. We want to go back. See you soon, college!
