“The changes I experienced moving from the Historic South to a college in Northern New England were not the only changes I experienced in the first-year Pathway seminar.”
Xanthe Hilton,
History Society & Culture
October
The leaves began to fall as October approached, and I began to get to know more people. I realized that if I didn't put myself out there and meet new people, I wouldn't have any fun. I watched many students go home and feel homesick every weekend. As much as I wanted to go home, I never let myself because I knew that staying here on weekends and finding things to do was imperative to my staying happy while living on campus. I made friends and then I was introduced to their friends. Pretty soon I was part of a group of amazing people. Somewhere, in between the tears and the late night heart-to-hearts, I realized that I had formed bonds with people I never could have seen myself being friends with. Friends from home frequently visited, but every time they came I always wondered if they would like my new friends. I was nervous for them to meet. It was interesting to have great friends both at school and at home. I always felt like I had something to go back to when I left either place and that was a great feeling. I lost some friends along the way, but distance has a way of placing strains on friendships. The friends I have gained have made up for the few I've lost.
My parents came up in the beginning of October for Family Weekend. My older brother goes to Dartmouth College, and even he made an appearance during one of the days. My younger brother went to my favorite jewelry store downtown and made me a gorgeous necklace and earrings out of beads. Whenever I got homesick or wanted to feel closer to my family, I'd put the jewelry on. It was good to know that they were thinking of me even when I wasn't around. We spent time on campus and attended some of the events but for the most part, the weekend was about spending time with each other.
My family took me out to dinner that night at my favorite restaurant, Jesse's Steakhouse in Hanover, near my brother's school. We talked about changes that were occurring in my town, how I was adjusting to college and my brother kept telling me that I should visit him at his school. After dinner was over I went back to campus and talked to friends that had spent the day with their parents. It was difficult when they left because part of me wanted to go home with them, but the other part realized that I loved spending time with the people I had met so far.
October Tips
Come up for Family Weekend! Get a hotel, take us out to dinner, and offer to let us stay with you. Don't get offended if we don't want to, but leave the option open.
We want to show you around campus, but remember we live here now. It's not very fun for us, so compromise. We'll show you around and explain everything one or two times, if you take us out to eat off campus.
Send your student a Halloween care package at the end of the month. That way we know that you are thinking about us! Cards are also very nice.
Increase the phone calls. We're now settling in and it's okay to initiate more conversations, but also remember we're still adjusting and meeting people. Call once or twice a week. If we need to talk, we'll call you.
