Going home for Thanksgiving is often the first time many go home for the first time all semester. While some had the luxury of going home for fall break or different breaks between, Thanksgiving is the time we can all collectively be at home and appreciate home for what it really is.

Packing and Getting Home

Freshman Year: I need to check a bag on the plane and bring four pairs of shoes and seven different outfits. I have so many social events I may be attending and I need to make sure I bring home everything. I also need to have my ride to the airport planned a month before that Tuesday. And yup, I’ll be there for all my classes Monday and Tuesday!

Sophomore Year: Hmmm… I’ll pack an hour before I need to leave for the airport. A pair of jeans and the shoes I have on now? I guess that’ll do. Do I actually need to bring a carry-on suitcase? Can I just bring my backpack? I’m just going to end up staying in my pajamas all day if we’re being honest. Oh and getting to the airport? I’m sure I know someone who’s driving there... no need to even think about it now.

At the Airport

Freshman Year: This is the first time I have ever flown by myself. What do I do?!I need to be sitting at the gate at least three hours before I board, right?!

Sophomore Year: Ehh, let’s bum it. Bathroom break five minutes before I board. Yeah, why not? Let's get this show on the road.

Coming Home

Freshman Year: Oh, my family! It has felt like years since I've last seen you! I’m so glad you all came to pick me up from the airport!

Sophomore Year: Aw, I’m so glad to see you! *falls asleep on the car ride home from the airport*

Being at Home

Freshman Year: Why has everything changed?! Did anything change in the 18 years I lived at home? Why does everything seem so... different?

Sophomore Year: Wow, a lot’s different. But what is it that’s really different? Too tired to really pay attention to all the little things.

Seeing Friends

Freshman Year: I must plan ample amounts of social things with every person I went to high school with. I haven’t seen them in ages and we all hung out so much while we were home and I have to brag to my college friends that yes, I’m still super cool at home.

Sophomore Year: Ehhh, I’ll see my friends when I do. I’m thankful for my close best friends that have stuck with me for a year and a half, and there’s no need to do anything extravagant. Put on makeup? Nah.

Eating Thanksgiving Dinner

Freshman Year: I need to keep up this lean figure so that no one at school thinks I eat a ton. Or better yet, I’ll work out and pretend that I just have so much control when it comes to pie.

Sophomore Year: Bring it alllll on. Only so many home-cooked meals in college.

Social Media

Freshman Year: I am so cool at home.Yes, I am so cool at school, but I am so cool at home. Look at me.

Sophomore Year: Y’all know me. We’re real.

Getting Back to Campus

Freshman Year: Guys! No one at home knows how amazing this school is. But y’all are so great and so wonderful.

Sophomore Year: Guys! No one at home knows how amazing this school is. But y’all are so great and so wonderful.

Regardless of what year it is, we’re all still grateful to be home and then to be back at school.