As the countless end of July summer sales and back-to-school shopping deals fill up my inbox, I am reminded of the fact that I have a month left here at home before I head back to school. And while the thought of reuniting with my Tufts people makes me happy, I cannot help but think about all the big and little things I'll miss about home.
Personally, coming home for the summer is incredibly important. Coming home means I can spend time with my family, recharge and relax after the stress of a long academic school year, and enjoy a change of scenery (as much as I love rotating between Carm, Tower, and my bed in Wren, change feels good and necessary).
So as my time here begins to dwindle down, I've been trying as best as I can to really appreciate the things that are right here in front of me, the things that I know I miss most about home when home is over 200 miles away.
So, without further ado, here are 14 things I love about being home (in no particular order)
So, to any first-year students, this post goes out to you.
I'm sure you're feeling a lot of things right now. Perhaps, you're feeling beyond excited that move-in day is so close, as you throw bottles of shampoo and conditioner, Keurig cups, a comforter, and just about everything you can find in the "Dorm" section of Bed, Bath, and Beyond over your head and into your shopping cart. Or maybe you're feeling nervous as you wonder who your roommate will be and how well you two will get along.
We've all been there.
(Lmk if this is what your pinterest looks like)
But, before you throw more Tide pods in your cart, pick up your head and look up at your mom, who's probably holding back tears (whether it's at the thought of you trying to figure out how to do laundry on your own or just cause she'll miss you, I can't say).
I challenge you to step away from all the excitement, nerves, and craziness.
I challenge you to just take a moment to appreciate what's right in front of you: the comfort of being home.
Everything has it's time. This is true, but often we forget.
We are constantly in this cycle of waiting in which we look for the next, big, upcoming event in our lives, rather than just enjoying the current moment we are living. Once you get to college, there will be so many adventures, journeys, and friendships.
But, I know from firsthand experience, once you're settled in, sooner or later, there will be people and parts of home you long for, things that you may have to wait for a while before you have back.
So, take the time to acknowledge what these are before you begin your Jumbo adventure.
And for anyone else reading this, I also encourage you to keep in mind the importance of the little things at home.
After all, home is where the heart is and it is never too late to appreciate what you love.
Nats out.