By Madison Wilson, Contributing Writer
Holiday seasons are supposed to be joyful times when families gather in laughter and bliss, celebrating moments that will be remembered for a lifetime.
The combination of great food, tradition, and entertainment bring together people who love and care about each other.
There is the Thanksgiving holiday, and then right after, people are automatically in the Christmas spirit. It is a time when we reflect on our lives and are usually more thankful for everyone and every good thing we have. This time of the year is often spent with family and friends.
Sometimes, however, not everyone can have this desired time with their families due to uncontrollable circumstances. In this case, being in college can keep most kids away from home, where they are unable to attend family gatherings. This is certainly the case for some international students.
While it is an understandable and good reason, it is not a good feeling.
I am an international student from the Bahamas and during this holiday season, I must be away from home, my family, and friends.
This time is especially uneasy for me because as a freshman, I am just starting to adjust to life away from home.
Ironically, it is a bittersweet feeling. While I know I’m here accomplishing my goals, I wish I could be home with the people that I love.
This time away has caused me to realize how much I appreciate my family and friends and even the little things that are taken for granted.
During this time, it becomes lonelier than ever. You start to count down the days, eagerly waiting for the Christmas break to quickly come.
Despite the roller coaster feelings of emotions, there are some ways you can speed up the process and feel less lonely.
You can simply just FaceTime or call your family back home. No, it is not the same as being there with them, but it is close enough.
You can also spend time with friends on campus to take your mind off being homesick. Always try to do something fun, take a break, or even rest.
Staying focused on the reason why you are away at school from your family will give you a positive outlook as well.
Being homesick is one of the worst feelings in the world, but there is always a way to make it better.
