The Observer, October 6, 2006
Volume XXXIX, Issue 6
A Fresh Perspective: College: balance between moving on and living in past
As we all know, college is a period of tremendous growth for any individual. We learn so much about ourselves. Our value systems change and different things become more or less important to us. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? I suppose it depends on how you look at it.
This past week marked my sixth week here at Case. Words cannot explain how much I love it. Everything about it seems perfect for me: The campus is urban, but not too urban; the classes are challenging, but not overwhelming; and I feel like I fit in so well here. I've already made friendships that I feel will last for years to come.
Then, I went home this past weekend for the first time.
I'm from a very small town around two hours south of campus called Sugarcreek. Our population is around 2500, so when I say small town, I mean small town. Every year, right at the end of September, Sugarcreek hosts The Swiss Festival. It is the largest event my town has on a yearly basis. There is a massive parade, fair rides and food, and more Swiss cheese than we know what to do with.
The nice thing about this event is that all of my high school friends come back home for it. It is almost like an impromptu class reunion. I saw almost every friend from high school I had made, and we reminisced about our crazy memories. It was just like old times, and I needed that very much.
But, as I was traveling back to Case on Sunday, I was lost in thought for a long time. As much as I missed all of my old friends, I was excited to get back up to campus and see my new friends.
The high school chapter of my life is closed. I have moved on, as difficult as that may be for me to accept. I have new friends, a new home…a new way of life. College has begun.
Now I am not saying by any means that I am no longer in contact with my old friends and acquaintances, and I am not suggesting that you should drop all contact with your high school friends. If anything, call your old chemistry lab partner and see how they are.
E-mail that girl from your volleyball team and check how college is treating her. Maybe even call your mom, because you haven't talked to her in a week and a half. Don't allow yourself to get so caught up in college that you forget where you came from. Your roots are part of who you are, and all those people still care about you tremendously. In the same vein, don't remain living in high school. Check in with people, but also realize that you are moving on. Open yourself up to friends at college so your collegiate experience is an exceptional one. College is all about balance, and this is one of the many areas where a student must learn to find the middle ground.
