The past couple of weeks have been a complete blur. Studying for midterms has made me lose all sense of time and other events happening on and around the campus have kept me constantly on my feet. But I’m one of those people who likes to be busy — it keeps me away from my AIM and CSI addictions. Despite the ups and downs, I’m thoroughly enjoying college. However, there are some people and issues I’ve admittedly cast aside to the back of my mind.
Last week, several of my good friends unexpectedly lost loved ones in unrelated incidents. I was actually with one of them when she got the phone call. It was heartbreaking to see one of my good friends cry, and before I realized it, tears were welling up in my own eyes. I was mourning her loss, but I was also living through her at that instant. What if it was me who got the phone call? I was so caught up in my college experience that for almost two weeks, I’d neglected to call or visit home. Of course, my parents called me, but I would give them one-word replies. I was angry at myself for being so selfish. After all, it would only take a couple of minutes out of my day to write an e-mail, make a phone call or have a video chat. My friends who lost someone would probably give anything to have just five minutes to spend with their loved one again.
That night, I called my parents, asked them how they were doing and told them how I was doing. I gave my brother some unwanted relationship advice and told my sister that I have eyes everywhere, and I know when she borrows my clothes without asking. I spammed the Facebook wall of one my best friends from high school who lives in New York City. I felt like I was in a rush to do all of this, as if I were going against the clock. But, if the unexpected happens, I don’t want to have any regrets. It truly doesn’t take much time to show someone you’re thinking about them and you care about them. College life is hectic, but without my family and friends’ support, I would’ve never made it this far anyway.
Luckily though, Thanksgiving break is coming up. Besides the December festivities, I don’t think there’s another annual holiday that shouts out “family time,” “homemade deliciousness” and “food coma” as Thanksgiving does. It’s the perfect atmosphere and time to catch up with the people that care about you. And I feel that it’s especially important for people, like me, who regret not having spent more time thinking about and being with their family. Let your aunts pinch your cheeks a little more, make sure to finish all the food your grandmother piles on your plate (don’t worry, you’ll walk it off when you get back) and hug everyone extra tight before you leave. Although it’s a little morbid to say, tomorrow isn’t promised. Cherish the time you have.
Angelina She is a freshman neurobiology and physiology major. She can be reached at she at umdbk dot com.
