Over the past few months, living alone for the first time, I’ve realized how fast time is flying. Every day, a new beginning starts to brew, and I can’t help but feel so immersed in studying, homework, and school that I have to remind myself to take things slow and one day at a time. Even though being at Seton Hill has brought so many new friends and fun, I also have to remember what’s waiting for me back at home.
Every Friday after my morning class, Pap makes his way out to my campus to bring me home. We usually stop at Dunkin’ and chat about all the fun things that happened during the week. I love our car rides together, playing his numbers at the smoke shop, and, of course, being in each other’s presence. It’s the small time we have together that really makes things count.
My favorite part of Fridays is getting back home, usually because I get the sweetest welcome from my dog, Millie. When I walk in the house, I hide behind Pap’s TV, and she scouts me out. She jumps up and showers me with kisses, making me smile and laugh. I love lying next to her and snuggling close. She truly is a girl’s best friend, always managing to put a smile on my face. Last week, her groomer appointment was rescheduled to an hour later, which somehow worked out perfectly. Pap and I took Millie to the dog park, and she had a blast meeting other pups, running, and playing. After getting muddy and soaked with grime, she got her bath at the groomers.
The weekend is usually filled with movies with Mom, fun with Gram, and hopefully, if I’m lucky, I get to see one of my best friends. Although I’ve been meeting some incredible people at school, I also have to think about my roots. Weeks ago, Fiona and I went to the Renaissance Festival, and this weekend I get to see my best friend, Jill! I hope that we watch fun movies, laugh, and enjoy each other's company. These memories enhance my time at school because, while I’m still settling in, I get that sense of normalcy that I crave.
The reality is, being away from family is hard. It’s hard to be away from my mom, grandparents, dog, and friends that I’ve held on to for so long. Studying is rigorous, assignments are hard, draining even. But somehow, at the end of the day, I push ahead. Because at the end of the week, I know I’ll feel that familiar feeling again.
Latte Love,
Jill☕️
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Friday 10:10
Beer Butts and Bets
Dunkin
Millie time
I always look forward to 10:10
Love Pap
Love 🐾
I love Fridays too - because I know you will be there when I get home- I love you and miss you !!!
Mom
Such a beautiful story, Jillian. Love you!!
YAYYY i am mentioned!! don’t forget ab me college girly. love you!💞💞💞
I gotta say, I really admire you for living away at school! I am old now...but when making my final college choice, I decided to commute. I love the education I got at Duquesne, but I do wonder what the college experience would have been like had I lived on campus. Seton Hill is a glorious campus! In seminary at Pittsburgh Theological (also commuted-- ha!), we had a three-day retreat there, and it was a very memorable time in a lovely setting. Best wishes to you as you continue your journey! Thank you for your thoughtful reflections and insight!