Ever since I began college, I have learned one thing about homesickness: it is not simply a yearn for a place, it is more so a craving for what makes you feel “ at home”. A feeling, a person, a place, really anything that makes you feel this sense of rest and safety. It’s missing what is comfortable, the place that you’ve been for the last 18 years. The word homesick should not be thought of or used as an extreme. It does not mean that I hate college, don’t absolutely love my friends here, or don’t enjoy the freedom and availability of fun things to do. When I say, “I feel homesick,” it doesn’t ever mean that I hate where I am, it just merely means that I miss where I’m from, the people whom I love spending time with, and those things that put me at ease. Change is great and absolutely necessary as we grow up, but there is always that desire inside me to want to take advantage of the time with these people and things that put me so effortlessly at ease. Nothing lasts forever, so I love the idea of taking advantage of and cherishing every possible moment with these type of people and things.

I miss my mom’s delicious home cooked meals each night, my dad’s trite jokes (that somehow never fail to make us laugh even if I’m the only one in the family to ever catch on), my sister giving me constant valuable advice on guys so I won’t get hurt again, my favorite restaurants, Taco Diner, Café R&D, our favorite valet man at Mi Cocina, my friends coming in town for break, and everything in between. The point is, I don’t necessarily miss “home”, I miss everything that home comprises, the little things, the things that instantly make me feel a sense of joy and relief that can’t be found elsewhere.

Being homesick is the furthest thing from “lame”. In fact, I consider it quite admirable. It indicates that you are proud of where you have come from and everything that you have left behind. It displays that you love your family and friends. It is something that demonstrates that you value what makes you, you.

Time is crucial. No person or thing lasts forever. What I have learned is that family, after my faith, is what I value far beyond anything else, so I refuse to feel shame in wanting to spend time with them every chance I get. Beginning college has made me appreciate all the things “home”, my parents, friends, hometown, etc. has done for me in the past to be able to get to where I am today. Time is so critical and I see so clearly the importance of spending it with the people who put me at ease and love me unconditionally. Next time you feel homesick, remember, it’s not “lame” or “weird”, you’re simply exhibiting that you’ve realized what’s important to you and appreciate your home for bringing you to the point you are at now. It means you’re lucky and have come from a good home that is easy to miss.

Feel lucky to have these people and things that are able to take you “home” and no matter the distance, remember you are ALWAYS able to come home.