First-year students typically fall into two categories: those who instantly love college and those who hate it. College buffs look forward to breaks but can't wait to get back to their "real home." These students revel in the freedom of being on their own, enjoying the sleepless school nights and the excitement of starting their own paths in life. Other students aren't so lucky.
But for every first-year student experiencing the endorphin rush that is college, there is another sitting in the hall Skyping with friends from back home for hours. With any new experience comes some level of discomfort, especially in a university setting. There are the roommate disagreements, 12-page paper assignments and the realization that for at least the next two years you will be forced to eat in a dining hall.
Katherine Fritke, a broadcast major from Scottsdale, Ariz., came to Drake like most first-year students, enthusiastic to start over. Fritke participated in a slew of extracurricular activities in high school and felt the pressure of people's expectations. "I grew up in a very Catholic household and never really got to have a lot of fun and try a lot of things," she says.
However, since coming to Drake, Fritke says she hasn't really experienced any homesickness. She's no stranger to distance however-going to camp every summer, and even spending this past summer as a camp counselor in Durango, Colo., will do that to you.
"Camp forced me to make friends and connections and take charge of myself," Fritke says, "so I was used to being on my own."
Although Fritke misses the big city atmosphere of Scottsdale, Ariz., the trusting people and laid back attitude of Iowa have won her over. Spending time with neighbors from back home who recently moved to Des Moines has helped ease the transition, as had Drake's academic setting. "Since the classes are smaller, I feel like I can always ask my professors for help when needed," Fritke says.
Unfortunately, not all college students have such a smooth transition. Like many at Drake, first-year student Autumn Bradfish comes from a suburb of Chicago. Even though Bradfish's home is much closer than Scottsdale, Ariz.-by more than 1,000 miles, actually-Bradfish has experienced homesickness in a way Fritke hasn't. After choosing Drake based on the quality of its journalism school and the job opportunities available at Meredith Corporation in Des Moines, Bradfish began to count down the days until college. "I didn't like high school so I was ready to move on and be in a more mature environment," she says, "But I've found that people are not more mature."
Soon after school started, Bradfish realized how much she wished she were closer to her family. She is the only person in her family attending an out-of-state school. That makes leaving after breaks that much more difficult. In fact, Bradfish calls her mom on the phone every day to help with the homesickness. "I've learned that no matter how independent I was, I still like having the comfort of my family and a home," she says.
However, Bradfish has recently been broadening her horizons and attending more events on campus, such as "The Vagina Monologues." Her increased involvement at Drake has improved her college experience.
Senior PMAC (peer mentor academic consultant), Eric Gudmundson didn't feel any homesickness when he first came to Drake. He immediately fell in love with the campus. In fact, he loves Des Moines so much he had the skyline tattooed on his rib cage. "I got it because Drake has given me a lot of meaningful experiences and changed my perspective on a lot of things," he says.
Nonetheless, he is well accustomed to helping first-years deal with homesickness. "I think it's really helpful to get off campus," Gudmundson says. He suggests students explore all the "nooks and crannies" that make up Des Moines. "Des Moines isn't exactly a city that presents all its opportunities right away; you have to dig a bit. A good Web sit to find things to do is Metromix Des Moines," he says (desmoines.metromix.com).
"Starting any new experience can be difficult, but that's completely natural to feel," Gudmundson says. Although Fritke was able to feel immediately comfortable at Drake, her previous experiences helped her adapt quickly. If you've experienced homesickness like Bradfish has, it's best to take an active approach. "Drake does a really good job of making you feel like they want you here," Gudmundson says. "Also there are always plenty of on-campus events to take advantage of." In time, anyone can put down roots at Drake.
