Homesickness: How to Deal
By Eva Dwyer – Horizon Staff
Are you feeling homesick? Missing your mom? You are not alone.
Homesickness is something that is different for everyone. I know personally, I’m already missing my mom’s homemade spaghetti and having access to my own bathroom. However, passing Amish horses and buggies on the way to school is not something that is hard to miss.
Being away from home for the first time can be difficult. Irena Xhari, a sophomore from Albania has experienced homesickness in a unique way.
“I think it’s hard not being familiar with the culture and not knowing the social norms of the new society I was living in,” she said. “I didn’t get very homesick but it was hard not having anyone to relate with.”
Julie Lehman, campus counselor says students can face homesickness by doing a few things:
- First, know that if you are feeling homesick, you are not alone.
- Take a risk and let someone else know how you’re feeling.
- Stay involved.
- Do stay connected with home- in moderation.
- Give it time.
- Pay attention to intense feelings.
Knowing that you are not alone is perhaps the most important. With that in mind, Julie’s suggestion is simple: Talk to someone.
“Your RA or MA is a great place to start, or make an appointment with the counselor to talk through things.”
For those who wish to make an appointment with Julie, call 620-327-8238.
