As the autumn leaves begin to change colors and a crispness fills the air, college campuses across the country prepare to welcome a very special group of visitors: parents. Fall Family Weekend at the University of Tennessee is a time-honored tradition that holds profound significance for me and countless other students.
For most of the year, college students find themselves immersed in an environment vastly different from the comfort of their homes. It’s a realm where newfound independence and increased responsibilities take center stage.
We learn to navigate the complexities of class schedules, build friendships that morph into extended family and make decisions that sculpt us into the individuals we aspire to be. In the midst of this transformation, it’s easy to feel a sense of detachment from the lives we once led at home.
After leaving the nest, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. However, in the excitement of a curfew-free life, I unintentionally overlooked the importance of those I love most. Family Weekend reminds me of the financial, emotional and personal sacrifices my parents have made to help me chase my dreams.
For college seniors like me, this family weekend carries unique significance. It symbolizes the culmination of years of hard work and dedication from both students and parents. It’s a moment when I can proudly showcase my achievements and say, “Look how far I’ve come.”
I vividly recall my first Fall Family Weekend as a wide-eyed freshman in 2020. My parents, Doug and Cathie Wrona, were coming to visit and witness the new life I had been creating. Socializing and making friends was challenging due to the global pandemic, so their arrival brought both relief and joy, knowing that I would soon see familiar faces.
The days leading up to my parents’ arrival were a whirlwind of emotions, a mix of excitement and anxiety. I meticulously cleaned my dorm room, suddenly became acutely aware of my laundry situation, and even contemplated reorganizing my class notes to prove I was a responsible adult. There’s always a desire to make them proud, to show them that I’ve got this whole “college thing” figured out, even though that was far from the truth.
When my parents finally arrived, a wave of relief washed over me on the steps of Hess Hall. I couldn’t help but smile, knowing that I would soon savor home-cooked meals, my favorite snacks and perhaps a few surprises from home. Yet, amid the excitement, a twinge of apprehension lingered. Would they like my friends? Would they approve of my choices?
As we strolled around campus, I shared anecdotes about my favorite professors, pointed out the Starbucks where I’d spent countless afternoons studying and the serene spots where I found solace. After making my parents climb the steps of the Hill, we headed back to Hess Hall, my freshman year sanctuary.
Once inside my dorm room, my mom and dad inquired about the pictures on the walls, the books on my shelves and the stacks of laundry that I promised to address eventually. It was a glimpse into my world that bridged the gap between Charlotte, North Carolina, and Knoxville, Tennessee.
Saying goodbye is always the hardest part for me. As my parents drove away, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of longing and homesickness. I was back to being an independent adult, but I also missed the familiarity and comfort of home. Every farewell these past three years has been a bittersweet moment.
Fall Family Weekend is an emotional rollercoaster. It’s a whirlwind of joy, homesickness, pride and nostalgia all rolled into one. These weekends teach me to cherish moments and make the most of the time I have with loved ones no matter how brief it may be.
Embrace these family weekends. They may stir a mix of emotions, but they also offer an opportunity to connect, learn and grow together. To the parents reading this, thank you for your unwavering support and those occasional home-cooked meals – they mean the world to us.
Calie Wrona is a senior at UT this year studying journalism and media. She can be reached at [email protected].
