Taste of Home


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As you all know, I attend Ohio Northern University, which is located in Ada, Ohio. I am originally from Bowie, Maryland. It was an eight hour drive to come to school. Naturally, the homesickness sets in. Even now in my junior year, I still find myself really missing home. Throughout the semester, i only communicate with friends through social media. We Snapchat each other, send memes and funny videos on Instagram, and FaceTime when we can. With all of us being in college and having busy schedules, how much we talk starts to decrease and makes me feel more disconnected. Every now and then, something happens that gives me a little taste of home.

This year, I met a freshmen who is from the same area as me and plays on the football team. One night at dinner we started talking and found out we grew up 20 minutes from each other. As we are talking and reminiscing of home, he brings out old bay seasoning for his french fries. For those who do not know, old bay seasoning is a very popular seasoning in Maryland that is used for seafood and french fries. The was the first time I have had this while in Ohio. It was a small gesture, but I was so happy to see this and be reminded of home.

The summer before my freshmen year, I came to an orientation day. I met a guy named Jack and we began to get to know each other. I met him at ONU and a couple weeks later I am back at work in my hometown at a training facility. One day I see Jack walking around and found out he trains there! He lives about an hour from me and trains at the facility I work at. I had no idea when I met him in Ohio. This later turned into us becoming roommates, taking road trips, and becoming really good friends. Even though I first met him in Ohio, hanging out in the summer, training together, and coming to college together; it felt like I was bringing a piece of home with me. I think in life, whenever we venture somewhere unfamiliar, we relate things from where you are to what you know. Coming to Ohio, there wasn't much I could relate to home. These small gestures and friendships brought back that familiarity and gave me a taste of home.

Until Next Time,
James

Comments

  1. Anna LebedevaOctober 24, 2019 at 11:25 AM

    Your story is so cute! I understand that feeling when you miss your friends at home. But I know that keeping friendships needs a lot of effort and time, especially when you live and study far from each other. So, it's so cool that you meet new friends who remind you about your home.

    ReplyDelete

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