Where Is Home? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

Where Is Home?

Being an out of state student leaves you confused.

12
Where Is Home?
Hanna Erdmann

I have always called my “small town” in my Florida home, I had never lived anywhere else. Slowly and surely, my college town has become more like home than home really was. This poses the question: where is “home?"

In a physical location sense, home is in Florida. I have a family who owns a house in suburbia USA. I have a bedroom all to myself, I have a dog and a few cats. My car is parked in the driveway because I couldn’t take it up to college. I graduated from the high school down the road. I played soccer at all the fields within a 20-mile radius. But this doesn’t feel like home. This may be home, but I don’t feel at home.

I come home, and I hope that I run into no one I knew in high school. I keep my head down and try my best not to stray for too long at the local joints. I don’t want to be asked about my ex, or how college is, or any question regarding myself. I am uncomfortable with the small talk. Then back to my ex, he lives here still, his friends all go to school close to home, they all knew me as “his girl”. In this town I felt like nothing more. It is not home.

Westminster College and Pennsylvania is where I feel the safest to be who I am. I am a single person, there is no name attached to me at school. I am not "his girl" or the girl dating (insert name). I am me. I have developed into a person I am so proud of being. I am accepted for everything I am. Though this home doesn’t include my dog, or my own bedroom, I am able to feel like I belong. When I am home, besides being with my family, which is always a blessing, I am lonely. I am insecure and I typically get upset over everything “home” put my through.

I am so thankful for Westminster College. If it wasn't for WC, I don't know where I would be. This school has given me a place that I can call home and where I can feel the best about myself. Everyone there have been so amazing, through thick and thin people will stick around. My hometown never had that feel.

I outgrew my hometown, and that is perfectly okay. Once I accepted that home can have multiple definitions, I become more happy to be anywhere. I am proud of where I was raised, but I am so thankful that I got out. I would never have been the person I am if it wasn’t for college. I am happy I get to have multiple “homes”.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
nothing on to-do list

Winter break is a cherished time for many after enduring a grueling fall semester. It’s a time of relaxation and time spent with loved ones over the holidays. However, once the new year rolls around, we’re all ready to go back to school. Here are thoughts every college student has during winter break.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

10 Facts All People In A Large Family Can Confirm During The Holiday Season

The holiday season can be the best and most stressful time of the year, especially when more people are involved.

2427
kids jumping

The holidays are full of lights, sweets, sweaters, and your favorite movies. There's nothing quite like this period from the beginning of December through January. Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Years. The fun of it all.

I don't know about you but with my large Italian family something is always going on during this season. It can be the most wonderful time of the year while also being the most hectic. These are a few things you know if your family is anything like mine during this time.

Keep Reading...Show less
10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over
reference.com

To those who celebrate, you just spent an entire day cooking an elaborate meal with all of your favorite foods. You probably ate your body weight in pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes. What happens now? Oh yea, Christmas. It’s time to take out all of the decorations and Christmas themed things that have been sitting in the attic since last year; it’s time to make a reappearance. So, here are 10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

5157
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

3193
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments