1. You clean your room like crazy
I'm not exactly the neatest person, but when my family came to visit I knew I had to get cleaning. I made my bed for the first time in weeks, changed my sheets, and took out my garbage. I vacuumed the floor and straightened up all the stuff on my dresser. I thought I was prepared for my Mom to see my room.
2. Mom rearranges everything
I was wrong, I thought my room was ready, but it was not. It needed some last minute touch ups from my Mom. Its' ok though I love having a clean room and I love my amazing Mom for helping me tidy up.
3. The once clean room is filled with groceries
Whats parents weekend without a trip to Wegmans. So after cleaning my room it was filled once again with plastic bags filled with snacks and of course a huge case of water that fits nowhere. No complaints though having snacks and water bottles is key.
4. You finally get to eat non dining hall food
Whether its running to Chipotle and Panera or going to a fancy dinner, all food is appreciated. Parents weekend allows for a much needed break from campus and your usual routine. Everyone appreciates a non dining hall meal, especially when shared with family.
5. You get to show your family your amazing campus
Author's Photo
For me, it was fun to play tour guide after going on many college tours myself. It was great to show them the walks I did everyday from class to class. We took pictures and enjoyed the amazing fall weather here in Ithaca.
6. You get a ton of hugs from your family
Your family definitely misses you a lot. If your Mom is like my Mom, she will ask for random hugs at the most unexpected times. However if you're anything like me you'll be glad to hug your Mom and Dad. Our parents miss us a lot, but we miss them too.
7. You can show your family how amazing your school is
My Grandparents and I at the fountains after seeing Ragtime
Author's Photo
I took my family to go see Ragtime, which was a student-run production here at Ithaca. They were amazed by the talent and passion of the student. Whether you went to a sporting event or a musical production, your parents were definitely able to see the amazing talent and skill that students possess here.
8. You get to introduce your family to random friends you see around campus
My family has heard a lot of stories about my friends, so they were super excited to put faces to all the names I've told them about. We ran into friends everywhere from the dorms, to the supermarket. My family loved meeting my friends and I loved meeting my friends parents. It lets the parents know they have amazing people looking out for their kid.
9. You get a little sad again when they leave
It's an incredible gift to have a family who loves and cares so much. It is totally normal to feel a little sad after they leave. It's important to remember that your place is in college right now and your family is always a call away. No matter how far I go from home, my family will always be my rock. Luckily for me, I have amazing friends to hang out with once my family left. My friends instantly cheered me up and reminded me I have a second family here in Ithaca.
10. You feel extremely thankful for the family that you have
Thank you Mom and Dad for an amazing weekend. Thank you for bringing my Grandparents and planning everything. Thank you for being my rock both while I'm here and at home. Most importantly thank you for being you and supproting me through everything. Love you all so much and can't wait to see everyone for Thanksgiving!