No, I'm Not Going "Home" For Summer | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

No, I'm Not Going "Home" For Summer

This college town is my home, for the time being.

54
No, I'm Not Going "Home" For Summer
Brooke Lark

The end of the academic year is often bittersweet. It's liberating because there aren't finals to worry about and there aren't classes to attend but can be disheartening when you realize that most students leave campus. In a lot of ways, going home for the summer is expected, especially as students are kicked out of their dorms and when other people constantly ask "When are you going home" before, during, and after finals week as if going home is the best thing that can happen to a person. For some of us, that option is a literal nightmare.

After my freshman year of college, I did go home and it was miserable, even though I was actually there for maybe two weeks. My mom and I couldn't/can not get along, even if our lives depended on it and quite honestly there was/is nothing to do in my hometown: nowhere to hang out, nowhere worthwhile to work, and certainly nowhere to get a decent internship without driving over an hour back and forth. After that summer, I vowed to stay in my college town during breaks, because I was happier there.

It may not be a conventional way of living and people may pity me, but I love having my independence: paying my bills, buying groceries, traveling to my internship, taking classes, and doing my best to grow in whatever way possible. If I were at home, I would probably just argue with my mom and stare at a wall for two months and that's not fun or worth the trouble. Don't worry: we visit each other sometimes and keep up through social media.

I feel more at home in my own space where I am able to do whatever I want, whenever I want. It may be selfish, but this is my time to be selfish. Later on in life, I will work tirelessly to make sure the needs of others are met. For now, I just want to get where I'm going. Returning home for the summer would be pointless because my family is dysfunctional and I haven't kept touch with any of my high school friends as that time of my life isn't something I like to remember.

I've moved on, literally and mentally, and I've never been happier.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

831
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

15812
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3265
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments