Following a recent family celebration, I went home these past two weekends (in a row). I honestly didn’t think much of not being on campus. I was excited to see my family and friends who would also be in town. However, having returned to UMass this week, I can genuinely say I’ve had serious FOMO from not being here.

I returned to campus Sunday afternoon to my best friend telling all about what fun adventures she went on while I was gone, and my floormates all spoke of the good time they had on Friday night. Meanwhile, I opted for a chill-at-home weekend, which was still fun, of course. Don’t get me wrong — I love my family to death and would spend every day with them if I could. However, part of me was still nostalgic for UMass while I was in Connecticut. I’m someone who calls my mom about 3,000 times a day, so even I was surprised when I thought of how much I missed being on campus, especially because I was only gone for a maximum of 72 hours. I always knew I loved UMass, I just didn't realize to what extent until this weekend.

My transition to college was not easy for me when I was a freshman. I missed my family, the people I grew up with, and my habitual day-to-day life in high school. It took me around a month to grow out of my homesickness and begin to appreciate where I was. And when I did, I realized how lucky I am to be at college. My point is, coming to college is difficult at first (inevitably, for everyone). But, once you get over it, you learn to love every quirk about your school. Despite the uneasy transition I had, I do really love going to UMass. So much so, that when I’m not here for a matter of a days, I grow to miss it. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.