First-Year

As you might expect, returning to the house you grew up in after a month and a half or so of freedom is pretty bizarre.

Things there seem familiar, but you realize that you’ve made a whole new routine at school, and things you’re used to, like the type of handle on the sink, the light switch in the bathroom, require thought and concentration, since you’ve gotten used to a whole new set of daily motions. 

In addition to this strange sensation, there will be that odd balance which hasn’t quite been struck yet, with your parents, since you’re in this strange, intermediate stage of having just been a high schooler, and now suddenly feeling the need to be an adult. It’s a process you just have to endure and tweak until you and your parents both come to terms with the new college student in the family, and it’s different for everyone. 

For me, going home and celebrating my birthday felt strangely familiar, and at the same time, unreal. Walking into my bedroom was like stepping back into high school, with all the same posters, and books, even the same smell. (Although, I will say that getting to sleep in a full bed was glorious.) 

As much as I love the food at Rhodes, there’s nothing quite like your favorite homemade meal, and I’m pretty sure that’s how most people really gain the “freshman 15.”

What I wasn’t quite prepared for were the discussions I had with family while I was home. From my parents, questions about the election, ethics, my opinion of things that have been happening in the news—conversations that your parents usually have with other adults. And from my grandparents, questions emphasizing their suspicion that I have secretly gotten engaged during my first two months of college. I know it’s because they care, but, really? I count myself lucky to have two or three good friends in that time, let alone a fiancé. I don’t even know what I’m going to major in yet. I don’t even know what I’m going to write my Psychology Debate paper about. I don’t even know what flavors of ice cream the Rat has tonight!

Of course, this too, is your family’s attempt to find out who the new scholar is , and you’ve probably gone through the same struggle yourself, asking questions like, “What would a college student do?” in any given situation. So, my best advice to you is to give it some time, play it by ear, and meanwhile, enjoy those home-cooked meals.