Fall break is almost here. It provides a chance to take a brief break from academics and go home or visit with friends. For many of you this is the first time you have traveled home since August. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Your relationships have changed.
Friends and family are often surprised at how much you have changed in the last nine weeks. You have changed and your friends have changed. You have met many new folks here at Rhodes and have had new adventures, stresses and trials. Sometimes older friends get jealous of the new people that you have met and tire quickly of stories about so and so. They can be happy for you but often are unsure of their role in your new life. Take a moment to listen to their stories as well and reinforce your friendship. This is especially important if they stayed locally to attend college and continue to live at home.
Your relationship with your parents has changed or should be changing. Parents don’t often understand students’ late night schedule. Some may insist that you respect a curfew or still perform chores or babysitting activities. I remember going home for break and planning to go out at 10:00pm. My parents had difficulty understanding that I was used to going out at this time. Sit down with them and discuss new expectations over this break period. This will go along way especially when you are home for three weeks over winter break. Also discuss the need for you to learn to address problems and situations. This will aid in their viewing you as an adult and build confidence in your abilities.
Younger siblings may react differently to you. Some will be very excited to see you home. Others may be upset now that attention has shifted away from them or they may be still upset that you left in the first place. Be sure to spend some time special time with them. They miss you too. Many times, they do not know how to show these feelings. My brother is only two years younger than me. When I went to college, this left him home alone with my parents. For the first time in his life he had the house to himself (my older siblings had already moved out) and new responsibilities and expectations. I did not think much of his adjustment after I left and I wish I had taken more time to connect to him and understand what he was feeling. It would have gone a long way in our relationship today.
Take things home with you now.
I see it every year. Residents are always amazed at how much stuff they have in their room especially when they try to pack everything up in three hours. Often times they failed to realize that each time they go home they bring more stuff back or the recent trip to the mall netted a new pair of shoes or a picture frame or DVD. TAKE things home. You will need to bring back with you your winter clothes and coat. (Don’t forget these, it will get cold soon). You will not have any space to store bulky sweaters if you do not take home some of your summer clothing and other supplies that you have not used thus far.
Get some sleep and home cooked dinners.
Inevitable I always slept the first day and a half of break especially after a rough week of exams. Catch up on sleep, watch some movies, read a book for pleasure, visit with friends and relatives. Ask mom or dad to cook your favorite home cook meal or visit your favorite restaurant.
Not going home?
If you are staying on campus for break, take advantage of the quietness of campus. Campus takes on a different feel when most of the students are away. Take advantage of the cooler temperatures and go to the zoo. Go to the football game on Saturday at 1pm. Cheer on the team! Eat breakfast at Café Eclectic (corner of Tutwhiler and Mclean). You have plenty of time to breathe and enjoy campus is a different way. Be mindful of limited hours in the BCLC and library. Also there is no meal plan but the Lynx lair is open for lunch. Plan ahead. If you have a car, go down to the river and watch the sunset or head out to Shelby farms.
Going home, visiting friends or volunteering with Rhodes Rebuilds or even staying here-how every you plan to spend the days off-Enjoy the break and be safe!
Marianne
No comments yet.