Beth Bales: Welcome Home, College Freshmen! (There's ACTUAL FOOD here!)

For all the freedoms college freshmen have experienced these past few months, for all the wonderful new experiences and adventures, there are also a few downsides. One is: College is not home. (That’s a feature, and a bug, both!)

There is a palpable excitement among college freshmen, to return to Geneva, to see their families, certainly, but also to reconnect with their friends now on far-flung campuses and to reconnect with their hometown. (As we drove through Geneva on our way back from Friday morning, my own college freshman was stunned to see the “going out of business” sign at the store. It was a stark reminder that life here has gone on, and that things change.)

So what are these young adults looking forward to, as their first big school break approaches? What are they most excited about? Here’s a roundup, facilitated by my own freshman.

Food, naturally, is a big attraction. So are the comforts of home, including the chance to take a shower without wearing flip flops.

“I’m most excited for ACTUAL FOOD,” said Martha Christopher. Rachael Zacchea wants her Oberweis milk, plus is “most excited to not have to wear shoes in the shower.” Kellen Frable can’t wait for “spaghetti sauce that isn’t watery and not having to walk to the other wing for the bathroom.”  

Collin Waldoch, attending school in Virginia, has noted regional differences in speech. “I”m excited to be around people who call it ‘pop’ instead of ‘soda,’ " he said. “And seeing my family will be cool, too.”

“I’m most excited to see all of my amazing friends from home I’ve been missing and my premium channels,” said Jessie Matthiesen. 

Kari Kosog is geared up for Thanksgiving with her family “and visiting the local hot spots,” meaning  , she said. 

“I’m really excited to see my friends and family and to sleep in my queen-size bed,” said Kerry Kennath, in an unspoken acknowledgement that while college life is exciting, life in a small dorm room most definitely does not match the comforts of home.

“I’m excited for not having to walk so far to use the bathroom and to see my family and dog,” said Taylor Wickware. Mark Sieber anticipates not having to walk in the rain and, oh yes, “not having to smell my dorm floor.” Jeff Burnett anticipates being in close proximity to “a movie theater that won’t have $14 tickets.”

“I'm most excited for all the little reunions,” said Kyle Gesell. “I've missed all these people responding (to the request for comments) far too much.”

Jess Bielenberg, attending school in New York City, is anticipating Geneva’s decidedly slower pace. “I am excited to be able to go for a late-night walk in the quiet without having to dodge homeless men and raging taxis,” he said. “I am excited to see my brother/parents and all of my friends and appreciate all of the little things I have learned that I take for granted.”

Trevor Morgan is looking forward to slowing down for a few days. “I miss seeing the seasons change at home. I've been so busy that I haven't really noticed that happening. I also miss having bonfires. I love bonfires.” (I wonder if he knows to allow fire pits?!)

While we might consider Portillo’s part of the daily landscape, it is NOT a nationwide chain. So Patrick Fennessy, who attends school in Ohio, has a hankering “for a Portillo’s cake shake. It’s has been far too long,” he says. “I’m also excited to see civilization,” he added. “I’ve spent a little too much time on my campus.”

Familiarity may breed contempt, but it also brings comfort. 

“I am most excited to see my lovable dog, Stella, and to see familiar faces in a familiar place,” said Sadie Dainko. 

And we are excited to see these familiar faces back in Geneva again. Welcome home. Enjoy this wonderful holiday weekend with family and friends.