I’m confident I’m not the only student on campus who has not been home yet this semester. For a variety of reasons — work, school, social — it simply has been too difficult to go home even for a weekend. And I only live an hour west on I-96.
With that being said and the assumption that other students are in my same position, the quickly approaching Thanksgiving break should be that much more meaningful.
One of my cousins — a college graduate — told me two years ago to cherish the moments I have with my family and know that family always will be here, no matter where my life takes me.
By no means did I take for granted the last however many years it was I lived at home and constantly saw my immediate and extended family.
I am starting to realize how meaningful my time with those family members was.
And that’s what the upcoming four-day break should emphasize: spending those meaningful minutes with those who matter the most.
It is the time to put away the phones — or at least silence them — quit updating our Twitter accounts and stop worrying about who is tagging or poking who on Facebook.
If your Thanksgiving revolves around the triple-header of NFL games, there’s nothing wrong with that, but also take the time to catch up with whomever you’re spending that day with.
You can bet the time you spend and whatever you tell your grandma, she will go and tell all of her friends at the next week’s bingo/card night.
Not only does family mean a lot, but also we mean a lot to our families.
Even though we might not always update extended family about how we are doing, it’s likely our parents are taking care of that for us.
I remember in sixth grade I had to write an essay about what Thanksgiving meant to me. I don’t have a clue as to what I wrote back then, but I realize now what I put down then probably didn’t reflect my feelings at the moment.
Back in sixth grade, Thanksgiving still was centered on family, but it is doubtful I fully understood the meaning of it. Being a freshman at MSU is my first experience on my own, and I think it is improving my understanding of family.
I have a better understanding of “family will always be there.” Maybe it’s because I’m a freshman, but I know I still lean on my parents as a third-party source.
The truth is, sometimes even one’s friends cannot understand what one is going through, but our parents may be able to.
Recharging should be a second theme of Thanksgiving break. I know I have — and many other students have — complained at some point or another about classes.
Take the time to enjoy having a shortened class week and no classes for two days.
Some even might have taken full advantage and skipped out on classes earlier in the week.
Students have been grinding for 13 weeks, and finals week will be two weeks after Thanksgiving break. Try to re-energize for that boring 8 a.m. or refocus for the class giving the most stress and struggle.
Whichever route, try not to blow off those days. Be productive. If you feel you are a week behind in sleep and sleeping would be productive, then do that.
If you are behind in classes and need to do some homework, then do that.
Support student media! Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
If you have been ill-equipped for the East Lansing weather lately, then take advantage of some of the sales offered this weekend.
If you and a friend became separated by campus locations and need to catch up, spend some time catching up.
Living the college life all semester and then living under your family’s roof obviously will require an adjustment. Be respectful of the temporary rules in your life because after all, when was the last time you were home?
Jason Pearson is a State News staff writer. Reach him at pearson154@msu.edu.
