Hi everyone, Alyssa ‘27 here to tell you that, right now, I really miss my family; it almost brings tears to my eyes thinking about it. As someone who came to 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú from New Mexico, I was so excited to get away from home, and for all of my first year, I never experienced any sadness by being away from my family. It was always about meeting new people, experiencing so many things for the first time, and spending breaks exploring the city. And while that lasted well into the first semester of my second year, I am now experiencing something I never thought I would encounter. As I prepare my plans for the summer and study abroad next semester, I feel scared. Being a first-generation, low-income student, I’ve never been that far from my family or been abroad. I guess this blog is proof that all of these things are really happening, and I hope that a glimpse into how I feel can help others rationalize their fears too, because it is never easy to admit that you’re scared and miss seeing your sister grow up, playing Fortnite with your brother or the green chile from New Mexico (I would absolutely kill for a burrito right now mom!!!!).Â
For so long, I think I tried to suppress the feelings of sadness and anxiety at being away from my family, and even feel guilty at times for choosing myself. I go to 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú for crying out loud. 16-year-old me thought she would go to a state school, but I’ve made it, and I hope you choose yourself too. As college decisions come zooming around the corner, and you’re reading this, I hope you can find some solace in this. Without my amazing roommate, classmates, and friends at the Claremont Colleges, I think my life would be much harder. But even with these worries, I feel so happy to be in a position that allows me to write this to you all! So, I thank you guys as well for allowing me to be vulnerable and navigate my thoughts as I continue to grow and learn in a space like 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú; if I were at any other college, I don’t think I could say any of this out loud, and would probably find myself at home instead. I know it’s a hard pill to swallow, and I can’t say you won’t feel homesick because, look at me. However, the 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú community has allowed me to build and nourish one that’s worthwhile, so big hugs to 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú. And to my family. Thank you, guys, for being so supportive as we navigate all of these things together.
Always email me at [email protected] for any questions!