As I lay in my bed, binge watching yet another episode of "House of Cards," everything feels normal; I'm showered with all my favorite foods, I visit all the sentimental little places, and I find a million and one reasons not to worry about classes. But in all honesty, it's not the same spring break from the year before; while the atmosphere hasn't changed, I have. I know it's probably silly to say in the past year since I sat here so much has changed. Believe me, I know I haven't become that much wiser in the year but this year is different. This break has made me realize that:
1. It's OK to take time for yourself.
You're back from break for a mere 7/8 days and it honestly can feel like a whirlwind; there's your old high school friends you haven't seen since winter break and practically every family member under the sun dying to see you. Scheduling your free time ultimately becomes a chore instead of something you look forward to, so at the end day, it's OK to take time to yourself. You spend all of the school year juggling your school work and your social life that it's okay to take a break from the 24/7 lifestyle and just veg out on the couch. It's okay to say no every once in awhile. Make plans with friends, but don't schedule them like your a doctor's daily appointment list. They'll understand if you don't have time, as long as you put the effort in.
2. You shouldn't force things.
Going along the previous note, don't feel like you're obligated to do things. When you go off to college for x amount of months, things change. Trust me, you're not the same person you were when you left so you'll come back and you'll realize things aren't the same anymore. Friendships will change, evolve, whatever may have you. Just because things worked in the past doesn't guarantee it'll work now — make a solid effort, but if it doesn't work out, that's life. Unfortunately, nothing stays the way it originally was forever. Just remember, change is what you make of it and by no means is the past an obligation for the future.
3. Your parents aren't as naive as you think they are.
Coming back home for my first spring break, I still felt like I had to hide part of my college life from my parents. Looking back on, it's silly. We get swept up in this idea that our parents can be "out to get us" but in all honesty, they were in our shoes a little while ago, and they know what college life is about; they've probably known since you started and clearly if they had a big issue with it, you wouldn't still be here today, now would you? Don't feel like you have to hide yourself to keep some image up. Your parents will love you no matter what.
4. It's OK to want to go back to school.
You shouldn't feel guilty about not wanting to stay at home anymore. You're so used to the independence and freedom that comes with college that coming home is somewhat of a cultural shock. Your parents love having you home but they know deep down you want to be back at school. It's okay to feel happy when you get on that bus back to Syracuse. Trust me, no one's gonna hold animosity over it...you'll be back in six weeks or so anyway.
Each year I grow a little wiser so, with a heavy heart (realizing I only have two more breaks before graduation), I look forward to the future.
