Words from a wallflower

The Feeling of Home

Two pictures hang on my bedroom door. One is of my family at my mom’s graduation and the other is of me and my boyfriend when I was dropped off at college. These photos greet me when I come back from breaks, and I needed that after this summer especially. It occurred to me this week that this was my last true summer before I graduate in May. I am grateful I could visit the people in the pictures who have been supporting me through the lowest points with the stress of school and the highest moments of growing up.

Although I will argue against the stereotype of Las Vegas since it’s my hometown (yes, there’s more to the city than just slot machines), I realize that I keep going back for the people rather than the place that allows only for tumbleweeds and dirt to thrive. My grandma and my boyfriend keep me tied to the city.

Like me, my parents wanted to experience something different, so they recently moved to Vancouver, Washington. Though I hardly know the area that is flourishing with evergreens, the people I share it with make me feel at home.

As an out-of-state college student, I sometimes feel homesick. And by homesick I mean missing people. This is an important lesson my college experience has taught me—a home is made by people. I also have a home in Denver with the friends who will make it hard to leave.

Though challenging, being an out-of-state student has made me grow up in such a way that I never could have done by staying in my hometown. I am lucky to have three homes. While the sun sets on summer and I make plans for after graduation, I know that the places of my homes might change but the feeling of home won’t, as I will visit the people in the photos every chance I get along with the ones I have met in Denver.