When you go to school away from home, HOME starts to look different every time. Almost three years ago, I made the decision to go away from home for college, in a different city. To this day, I am still pleased with that decision, even more so when I do actually go back home. I usually go home every break; so thanksgiving, winter and summer break. It's always a roller coaster of emotions when I do go home though. I am happy because I am able to spend time with family again, yet sad because I am away from all of the new friends I have met.
It's always a win-lose situation. When I am at school, l love being away and independent, I enjoy random nights out with my friends. I love the feeling of doing as I please but, yet, a big part of me is still missing and that's quality family time. When I'm home I'm enjoying just sitting back and hanging out with my family. I enjoy working the same summer job I have always had. Something is still missing though, and that's the life long friendships I have crafted. I miss the feeling of being lonely and just walking up a few flights of stairs to see my friends. I miss out on all of the summer adventures while being at home.
My home town; the town I grew up in, the memories made, the laughs shared, the reminiscing on old high school football games, those things will never be forgotten. The time comes, though, when you have out grown all of that. You no longer find pleasure in going to the same bowling alley you've gone to for years, the stories become repetitive, you rather stay home than go to the local college town bar to make small talk with people you once had classes with.
What makes a home a home though?it is where you were born? Is it where you grew up? Where your parents live? Where you get your favorite home-cooked meal? Where you have a bed? Where you open presents on Christmas? In going back from my first home in Orlando to my new home in Miami, I have learned what makes a home. With that being said, I am proud to say I do not have one, not even two, but multiple homes.
A home is not a place but rather the feelings you get in being in that place. Whether it's an optimistic kind of feeling or even more of a sorrow kind of feeling, to be HOME means to feel completely comfortable.
