Travel and the College Student

By Luci Farrell

The following is an example of how an out of state student prepares to leave before a break:
Tuesday November 22nd

0600 = Wake up. Look at phone. Swear. Realize it’s Tuesday, class doesn’t begin until 11, and I don’t have anything due. Go back to sleep.

0800 = Hear the 1812 Overture playing. Marena’s calling me. Accept defeat and answer phone with blanket over head. Truthfully, if the best friend calls, you always answer.

0900 = Marena sees a sale at Old Navy and promises to call me back. During this time I’ve gotten dressed and rearranged my bag to go home with. Stare around room and refresh my memory on what the quiz today is about.

0930 = Play on Twitter. Suddenly realize I didn’t print my boarding passes. Thankfully remember I’ve already checked in so my boarding number isn’t too shabby. B 20. Yeah, it’s going to end up being a full flight.

1013 = Wrestle with printer. Worry something happened when the bed fell on it (long story). Power it down and back on. Works perfectly. Roll eyes.

1030 = Craving caffeine. Horridly throw on shoes and make a quick note on my white board wishing everyone a happy Turkey day and to be safe on Black Friday.

1031 = Halfway down the stairs realize I left my messenger bag (book and laptop for class) in my room. Mutter darkly and go back to get it.

1032 = Put up posters in the dorms before going to class so I won’t forget (memory is shot the days leading up to break).

1040 = Carefully sip the glory that is Starbucks and have an internal debate about whether I should bring my laptop home or just my iPad and external hard drive to make life easier. Realize I’ve had this debate at least six times in the past 24 hours and remember the I will have a laptop to use at home and traveling without the laptop is easier…and less distracting. Suddenly stop and take another sip of my Venti Americano. The barista wasn’t joking when he said it made it extra strong for me today. My faith in humanity is restored.

1100-1220 = Class. Of course also writing myself a note making sure I remember everything, including the audio recorder I just realized I am going to need during break.

1230-1310 = Run around like crazy making sure I have everything packed, unplugged, and locked up before running off to the shuttle.

1400-1855 = The joys of the airport. There is no sarcasm in this, I actually love airports. I get to knit, read, listen to music, and just unwind for the first time in weeks. Although you know you’re at the airport too early when your flight isn’t even shown on the screens. The true joy is getting to board the plane, get a window seat, and know in just a short while I’ll be home.

The above is what it is like to be a college student who is more than a short bus or train ride from home. I have my 2-hour plane ride home which is used to read and power down my brain for a bit. The truth about being an out of state student means you start off on an odd foot. Nine out of ten times you know nothing about the area you’re moving to and you need to map out transportation to go home as soon as you can. Or if you’re like me, you try to figure out what plane routs give you the best layovers. For those wondering Baltimore and Nashville are my most frequent layovers. Both are awesome airports with lots of space and fun little shops/restaurants/salons to check out.

Traveling is what I do. I have always loved it. Throw me in a car, on a train, on a plane, or in a kayak and I am the happiest girl in the world. That is the beauty of college. You always have an opportunity to try something new. You live on your own in a new area and develop all of these new experiences. Even better you have the opportunity to travel abroad. Ask any student at SXU who has studied abroad and they’ll be happy to tell you about their experience. From Peru to Germany and everywhere in between there are opportunities for everyone. If you don’t think a semester is a good idea for you, look around at summer sessions. Better yet, ask about Spring Break Service trips! This gives you a great opportunity to travel and help others at the same time. From rebuilding in Joplin, Missouri to helping out in community centers in Maryland, there are always opportunities to get involved on campus.

College is about learning. Learning isn’t limited to just books. It’s about learning about yourself, your passion, your social interactions, and learning to make the most of the opportunities you are given.

Keep Calm and Travel On!

Luci Farrell is a senior from New Haven, CT. She is an Organizational Communication major with a minor in Anthropology. Luci is a Resident Peer Minister on campus and chair of the Honors Program Advisory Council at Saint Xavier University.