I swore I was going to hate college after I had to say goodbye to my family and best friend after my first day at Mansfield University.
I had to hold back a lot of tears and put on a strong front, but inside I was just begging them to stay longer. I had a horrible first week. I hated all the activities the college had planned, I just wanted to lock myself in my room and cry.
I missed my family and my pets; I missed my bed and my own bathroom. I especially missed the food; I never appreciated my mom's home-cooked meals until I got here. College was nothing like being at home and I missed it so much. I still do sometimes.
It only took a week for that to pass, because I absolutely love it here. I didn't really know what to expect when I first came to college. I was afraid I wouldn't make friends and I would have a horrifying roommate. I heard all kinds of horror stories about crazy roommates or a bad group of friends. I had all kinds of negative thoughts running through my mind, but I thought way too much into it.
I made an awesome group of friends who I know I could count on if I'm having a rough day. We do pretty much everything together and there is never a dull moment when we are together.
When it rains, we all get together and go mudsliding down the hilly campus and we watch our weekly television shows together. They have grown to be the sisters I never had.
Thinking back to all the negative thoughts about college is silly now because I've grown to call this place my home.
College was a huge change for me and I was horrified at the thought at being alone. It took some adjusting and I had to get used to not seeing my family every day, but I couldn't imagine it any other way.
I still go home almost every weekend because I do miss my family, plus I get home-cooked meals. College is more fun than I ever expected it to be. I love it.
Thomas is a student at Mansfield University. To submit a column for consideration as a "Life in a college town" feature, email education@ sungazette.com.
