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After finishing my freshman year of college, I’ve grown into a more mature version of myself and have learned to cherish the small privileges I have in my life. Growing up in a family of immigrants, going to college after high school was always expected of me, a chance to achieve what my parents couldn’t.

Now, as I spend my last few weeks here, I’ve reflected on how far I’ve come from my first day away from home.

As a first-generation college student, I didn’t know what to expect coming into my freshman year. My parents couldn’t share their advice because they didn’t have any, which meant part of my experience would be theirs, too.

Looking back, I realize much of my understanding of college was shaped by what I’d seen in the media. I’d frequently watch other people’s stories on TikTok and YouTube. These videos told me what to buy, how to navigate my first year of adulthood and how to avoid homesickness.

But online content can’t capture the feeling of watching your family leave and being left in an unfamiliar dorm room.

My first week of freshman year was an emotional rollercoaster, a balance between freedom and isolation. I had yet to make any friends and was homesick most of the time. Communal showers, loud hallways and new faces made it hard for me to live comfortably without thinking of home.

Being away from home for the first time has made me realize how much I love and appreciate it. For 12 years of my life, I lived in a very small town that felt suffocating at times. Throughout high school, I always longed for the environment and freedom that came with college life. But I’ve come to realize there are many privileges I have at home that I took for granted. I miss the comfort of having my own space, living near my childhood friends and being able to turn to my mom when I’m having a bad day.

Many people I’ve met, including my friends, have shared that they don’t miss home for a multitude of reasons. I’ve realized that for many, college is the escape they’ve been waiting for. I thought this would be the case for me as well, but I’ve grown to be thankful that I’m lucky enough to have a place and people at home to miss every day.

During that first week, I remember my neighbor knocking on my door in the middle of the night, asking for a favor. Afterward, she asked me if I was also feeling homesick. At that time, I didn’t really know her, but we instantly connected over our mutual feelings. She is now one of my best friends here.

Over the past eight months, I’ve learned so much about myself and those in my community. Through my experiences here, I’ve realized that friends come and go, and I’m never alone in my feelings.

I’ve grown to get over the small things that once stood in the way of my comfort, leaning on my peers to do so. The friends I’ve made eased the transition from living at home to living at school. They’ve helped me overcome my homesickness and personal struggles.

While my college experience hasn’t been the easiest, it’s taught me that the struggles I’ve faced are necessary for growth and my journey into adulthood. While college may have its difficulties, I’ve found ways to make it enjoyable in the meantime.

Emalie Vera is a freshman majoring in English and textual studies. She can be reached at ehvera@syr.edu.

Published on April 21, 2026 at 9:26 pm